Working in Winter
Anyone who works outside in harsh conditions knows the chilly season takes its toll. And with temperatures outside dropping, it’s time to think about protecting yourself and your workers from the elements.
Overview
The effects of the cold can range from the increased risk of injury, reduced work rate and quality and greater potential for damage to plant and equipment. The cold can affect the ability to concentrate on the task at hand. Working in cold temperatures can also increase irritability and frustration, and may even incline people to take shortcuts to finish faster.
Even moderately cold temperatures can increase the likelihood of workplace incidents. This is because the body’s response to cold causes a decrease in manual dexterity, fingertip sensitivity and muscle strength decrease. The degree of coldness can be underestimated if other factors such as wind chill are not considered.
People working outside jobs should try and eliminate, or at best isolate, cold hazards. However, completely eliminating hazards can become difficult; so consider the following controls when working in the cold.
Plan work for the weather
To avoid harsh winter conditions, plan work that is appropriate to the weather. Check weather reports before planning your jobs so that outside tasks can be done on the best possible day.
If you cannot be adequately protected from the effects of the cold, then work must be suspended, or work regimes modified, to remove the risk of harm.
Following these steps will ensure that winter does not slow you down and your team remains productive, happy and keen during the colder months.
Food, shelter and wellbeing
Food and liquid intake are essential to maintain body heat and prevent dehydration. More energy is exerted when working in cold conditions as the body works hard to keep warm.
WorkSafe states that if continuous work is carried out at temperatures below 0°C, heated shelters such as cabins or ‘smoko’ rooms should be available. A strict timetable for breaks should be allowed to let employees warm up and change clothes if needed.
Training
Workers and supervisors should be trained to recognise the symptoms of cold exposure such as hypothermia. Having a trained first aid person is highly recommended.
Employees should be informed about PPE, safe work practices, and emergency procedures in case of injury.
While working in the cold, a buddy system should be used to look out for one another.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Clothing should be worn in multiple polypropylene, polyester or merino layers: the air between the layers of clothing provides better insulation. The outer layer should be hi-vis, rain and wind-proof, and allow for easy opening and removal.
Exposed areas - such as the head, hands, and feet - are as important as the body. Gloves are an obvious option; however these can become bulky and affect a worker’s manual handling, so instead provide warm air blowers or insulated handles on tools.
Buy footwear that is well padded, insulated and made from materials such as leather which allows the shoes to breathe.
A great deal of heat is lost through the head, a problem compounded as hard hats do not protect against the cold. If a hard hat is needed, wear a tightly-fitted beanie made of polypropylene or merino underneath.