With the winter season upon us, the pull to get out and enjoy the snow grows stronger. No matter what winter sport your choose, from snowboarding and skiing to tobogganing and skating, safety should be your first concern. Before participating in any sport, make sure you have the right gear. Helmets and properly fitted equipment can only make you safer. Gloves, hats and pads can keep you warm and protected. Sunglasses and sunscreen should always be worn when you will be outside for long periods of time. When participating in outdoor sports, always wear warm and layered clothing to protect yourself from injuries and the cold. Keep in mind that Hypothermia can occur in temperatures as high as 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit if conditions are damp and windy. To prevent frostbite, dress in layers and make sure your head and neck are covered with a hat and neck warmer. And always drink lots of water to prevent dehydration.
Snowboarding
As snowboarding continues to gather enthusiasts, its increasing popularity is leading to more injuries. "More than four per cent of Canadians over the age of 12 now snowboard," says Canada Safety Council President, Emile Therien. According to the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (CHIRRP), snowboarding cases per 10,000 injuries rose from less than one in 1990 to over 111 in 2000. Half of the injuries were fractures, of which over 40% were to the arm. Wrist guards and kneepads can help to protect you from snowboarding injuries. A helmet is a good idea for all age groups. Finally, given that jumps are a common cause of spinal injuries, always get proper instruction before attempting to jump with your snowboard.
Skiing
Skiing safety means staying in control - of both the equipment and yourself. Many deaths on ski hills have been the result of collisions between inexperienced skiers and trees, as well as with other unsuspecting skiers. Take the time to take some lessons - and learn the sport before you practice it. Wear a helmet or hat, gloves and pads. Never leave the marked and groomed trails. And if you find yourself skiing out of control, always fall down on the softest parts of your body - your side or your rear end.
Tobogganing
According to U.S. statistics, hospital emergency rooms treat approximately 46,000 tobogganing and sledding injuries each year. Most of these injuries are to kids age 14 and under. Head injuries are a common and most serious kind of sledding injury.
Consider the type of sled or toboggan are using. Sleds that can steer are generally safer than flat sheets, toboggans or snow discs. Once you’re on the hill, don’t allow too many people to pile on - and keep everyone’s arms and legs inside the sled. Make sure the hill in front of you is clear of obstacles such as trees, people and rocks before pushing off. Children who are tobogganing should always be properly supervised and should wear a helmet if they are age 12 or under. Teach them never to go down a hill headfirst or backward, and demonstrate how to slide down the middle of the hill, get out of the way quickly and walk up the side of the hill.
Sources for this article include the Canada Safety Council.
Excerpted from: The Safety Mosaic, Vol 6, No. 4, Winter 2003
That you have to have an emergency plan for your workplace covering procedures in case of fire, explosion, workplace violence, etc.
