In many parts of North America, winter weather brings weather conditions that require drivers, equipment operators and helpers to take extra precautions to avoid accidents and injuries.
Will Flower
Driving and working in snow and ice requires preparation and caution. Just getting to work in the morning can be treacherous when even a light rain and falling temperatures can lead to ice on sidewalks and roadways.
Every driver and outside worker should be prepared for winter weather. Supervisors and safety managers should hold safety meetings to review winter safety tips including the avoidance of cold weather related injuries. Managers and supervisors can also take the following steps to make sure employees are prepared for winter:
- Train employees to recognize the hazards of slippery surfaces.
- Review the importance of using three-points of contact when entering and exiting trucks and equipment.
- Make sure each vehicle is equipped with an ice scraper along with some emergency supplies.
Driving on Snow Covered or Icy Roads
When ice and snow are present on roadways, follow these safety tips to ensure your safety:
- Clean off windows and scrape windows and mirrors to make sure you can see. Use the defroster to keep windows clean.
- Brush snow from your entire vehicle. Clearing snow from your car or truck will reduce blowing snow that could interfere with another driver’s ability to see.
- Turn your lights on. Be visible. Headlights, taillights and warning lights can help make your vehicle more visible.
- Slow down. Give yourself extra time as traffic will be moving slower than normal when there is snow and icy road conditions.
- Give yourself extra room between vehicles. Allow for extra space for safe breaking and stopping.
- Take extra care when driving on bridges and overpasses, which can freeze before other road surfaces.
- Brake with care. Avoid jamming on the breaks. Use a “light touch” on the brakes to have a controlled deceleration and stop. Even if your vehicle has anti-lock braking, you should brake lightly to avoid skidding.
Working in the Snow
The job of collecting waste and recyclables is tough enough. Add the challenge of picking up trash after a snowfall or in icy conditions and the job can become treacherous. The biggest potential risk is a slip or fall that can result in a strain or sprain. There are several things that can be done to reduce the risk of falling when slippery surfaces exist. The following are some safety tips for working in the snow:
- Use proper PPE. PPE such as highly reflective safety vests will make drivers and helpers more visible in storm conditions.
- Wear proper footwear. Wear boots with good grip that provide the support and traction you need to get the job done safely.
- Dress warm. Use several layers so you can remove a layer as needed. Wear a hat to maintain body heat.
- Slow Down. Walk carefully and cautiously. Take your time and look around for slippery spots on icy driveways, roadways and sidewalks. Plant your feet securely on each step and when possible use handrails for added support.
- Anticipate ice. What appears to be wet asphalt or concrete may actually be black ice especially in the morning.
- Enter buildings with caution. When entering a building be careful and anticipate wet and slippery surfaces. When possible use mats near doorways.
- Don’t put your hands in your pocket. Use hands and arms to maintain balance if you do slip.
- Don’t carry extra heavy loads, such as multiple garbage cans, which could cause you to lose to balance.
- Drink plenty of water. Dehydration is just as big an issue in cold winter months as it is in the summer.
Shoveling Snow
Shoveling snow around a truck, waste container or roll off box can be dangerous. Snow shoveling and heavy lifting can cause strains and sprains to the back, shoulders and wrists. Follow a few simple rules to be safe while shoveling snow:
- Stretch and warm up your muscles and joints before shoveling.
- Use a good shovel that is the right size. A shovel that is too short or too long may cause overextension.
- Push snow instead of lifting. If you must lift a loaded shovel, use your legs. Consider taking smaller scoops to avoid heavy lifting.
- Take breaks to avoid overexertion.
- Be especially cautious if you are at risk due to heart disease.
Conclusions
The winter months include some of the most dangers weather conditions. Workers in the solid waste and recycling industry must take extra precautions and care when working in snowy and icy conditions. Always be alert and never assume that the people driving around you have control of their vehicles. Be prepared, stay warm, stay safe.
Next month’s safety tip will focus avoiding rollovers.
Will Flower is the Vice President of Corporate and Public Affairs at Winters Bros. Waste Systems. Will has 32 years of experience in the area 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].