In the northern parts of the U.S. and in Canada, temperatures are dropping with the onset of winter. Extreme cold temperatures can present serious safety threats for workers in the waste and recycling industry. When temperatures drop, outdoor workers need to guard against frostbite and hypothermia. Snow packed and icy roadways also require extra care for drivers on collection routes.
By Will Flower

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Snow and icy conditions can be dangerous. Snow shoveling and heavy lifting can cause strains and sprains to the back, shoulders and wrists. Push snow instead of lifting. If you must lift a loaded shovel, use your legs. Consider taking smaller scoops to avoid heavy lifting. Be especially cautious if you are at risk due to heart disease. Photos courtesy of Will Flower.

In many parts of North America, winter weather brings extreme cold and snowy conditions that require outdoor workers to take extra precautions to avoid accidents and injuries. Exposure to cold temperatures for extended periods of time can be dangerous.

Take Precautions
Reviewing the precautions to take during cold weather will help keep workers safe. The following are some tips for working in freezing temperatures:
• Pay attention to weather forecasts and dress accordingly. Wearing layers of lightweight clothing along with gloves and a hat will reduce the loss of body heat.
• Learn the signs and symptoms of cold-related illnesses and injuries. Early warning signs of cold weather injuries include
uncontrolled shivering, slurred speech, clumsy movements, fatigue and confused behavior.
• Remind employees to get plenty of rest as the body will use more energy to keep muscles warm.
• Keep a close watch on employees and look for warning signs associated with extreme cold related injuries. High risk employees may face increased risks of cold-related injuries when they take certain medications, are in poor physical condition or suffer from illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension or cardiovascular disease.

Driving Conditions
Snow and ice can also cause dangerous driving and working conditions. Managers, supervisors and safety professionals should train employees to recognize the hazards of slippery surfaces. When ice and snow are present on roadways, follow these safety tips:
• Clean off windows and scrape windows and mirrors to make sure you have good visibility for driving.
• Brush snow from your entire vehicle. Clearing snow from your car or truck will reduce blowing snow, which could interfere with another driver’s ability to see.
• Be visible. Turn on headlights, tail lights and warning lights to make your vehicle more visible.
• Wear highly reflective safety vests to make yourself more visible in storm conditions.
• Slow down. Give yourself extra time as traffic will be moving slower than normal when roads are icy and snow packed.
• Brake with care. Allow for extra space for safe braking and stopping. Avoid jamming on the breaks. Use a “light touch” on the brakes to control stops.
• Take extra care when driving on bridges and overpasses, which can freeze before other road surfaces.

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Make sure parking areas and walkways are clear of snow and ice so that employees can safely get to and from their vehicles.

Be Prepared
In addition to addressing the hazards associated with slippery driving and working conditions, collection workers must be alert for hot coals from fireplaces that homeowners may discard during cold weather months. Plus, when temperatures drop, managers should protect their facilities and take steps to prevent pipes from freezing. And finally, space heaters in the office should be used with care to ensure flammable materials are kept away from the heater and unplugged or turned off when not needed. Winter weather creates a number of hazards. Be prepared, stay warm and stay safe. | WA
Next month’s safety tip will focus on balers and compactors.

Will Flower is the Senior Vice President of Corporate and Public Affairs at Winters Bros. Waste Systems. Will has 37 years of experience in the field of solid waste management and environmental protection. He has held operational and executive leadership positions at the Director’s Office of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Waste Management, Inc., Republic Services. Inc. and Green Stream Recycling.

Share your safety tip. Submit your suggestions to Will Flower at [email protected]

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