Avoid Injuries - How To Prepare Your Employees for Cold Weather Safety

As winter approaches, business owners across various industries face one pressing question: Are your employees fully prepared to face the challenges that cold weather brings? From icy walkways to frigid outdoor work conditions, winter presents numerous risks that can lead to serious injuries and costly workers’ compensation claims. The good news? With proper planning and proactive safety measures, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents while safeguarding your business’s bottom line.

Here’s how to get your team ready for the challenges ahead.

Improve Visibility and Lighting During Winter Months

As the days grow shorter during the winter months, reduced visibility becomes a serious safety concern, both indoors and outdoors. Poor lighting in parking lots, walkways, and loading areas can increase the risk of accidents. This issue is further compounded by the fact that snow and ice can obscure visual cues like curbs, ramps, and other changes in elevation, making it even harder for employees to navigate these areas safely. 

Solutions for Enhanced Visibility

• Conduct a Lighting Audit: Ensure all outdoor areas are well-lit, especially in the early morning and late afternoon when many employees are entering and leaving the workplace. Installing extra lighting fixtures or upgrading to brighter, energy-efficient bulbs can make a significant difference.
• Equip Employees with High-Visibility Gear: If your employees work outdoors or in low-light areas, provide them with reflective gear or high-visibility vests. This is especially important for those working near moving vehicles or heavy equipment.
• Prevent Snow Buildup: Regularly clear snow from walkways, parking lots, and entrances to prevent it from covering important visual markers. Clearly mark all curbs, steps, and changes in terrain to prevent missteps and accidents.

Combat Winter-Related Health Issues & Absenteeism

Winter doesn't just bring cold temperatures and snow - it can also lead to lower overall health and wellness which in turn leads to absenteeism and a loss of productivity. Icy roads, seasonal illnesses, and the strain of working in frigid conditions often mean more employees calling in sick or struggling to stay focused on the job. The CDC estimates that the flu alone costs U.S. businesses billions each year in lost productivity, and that’s before factoring in weather-related disruptions. To keep your team on track and healthy during these colder months, proactive steps like offering flexible schedules, promoting wellness, and encouraging proper rest can make all the difference.

Solutions for Reducing Winter Workplace Absences:

• Offer Flexible Schedules: Allow employees to work from home or adjust their hours during severe weather conditions to avoid dangerous commutes and minimize absences.
• Promote Wellness Programs: Provide access to flu shots and encourage participation in wellness programs that support immune health and prevent illness during cold and flu season.
• Encourage Sick Days: Make it clear that employees should stay home if they’re feeling unwell to prevent the spread of illness, ultimately protecting the overall health of your workforce.

Stop Wet Floors from Becoming a Hidden Indoor Hazard

Winter conditions can also make indoor spaces more hazardous as employees track in ice, snow, and water from outside. Indoor slips can happen when wet floors aren’t properly managed. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration estimates that the average cost of a slip-and-fall injury is upwards of $20,000. This highlights the importance of indoor precautions.

Solutions for Preventing Slips and Falls:

• Install Mats at Entrances: Placing absorbent mats at entrances allows employees to dry their shoes, helping to minimize water buildup on the floor.
• Create a Shoe-Change Station: If possible, provide a space where employees can change into dry, non-slip shoes after arriving at work.
• Maintenance and Quick Cleanup: Ensure the maintenance team is on the lookout for puddles or moisture buildup near entrances. Keeping floors dry can significantly reduce indoor accidents.

Prioritize Heating Equipment Safety

As winter sets in, ensuring the safety of heating equipment is paramount to prevent accidents and maintain a comfortable work environment. Faulty heating systems can lead to serious hazards such as fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, and health risks associated with inadequate warmth. To keep your workplace safe and cozy during the colder months, implement strict safety protocols for your heating equipment and encourage employees to be vigilant about potential risks.

Solutions for Heating Equipment Safety:

• Conduct Regular Inspections: Schedule routine checks on all heating equipment to ensure they are functioning properly and meet safety standards.
• Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Equip your facility with carbon monoxide detectors and ensure they are tested monthly to protect against this silent but deadly gas.
• Educate Employees on Safe Practices: Provide training on the safe use of heating equipment, including proper ventilation and the importance of keeping flammable materials away from heaters.

Prepare Drivers for Winter Road Hazards

For businesses with employees who travel for work, winter driving poses a significant risk that requires heightened awareness and preparation. According to the Federal Highway Administration, 22 percent of all vehicle crashes occur during winter weather, with snow, ice, or sleet contributing to a large portion of these accidents. These statistics highlight the need for proactive winter driving safety measures. Businesses should ensure that their employees are equipped with the right training, tools, and resources to handle winter conditions safely.

Solutions for Preparing Drivers for Winter Road Hazards:

• Winter Vehicle Maintenance: Conduct routine checks on all vehicles to ensure they are ready for winter conditions. This includes checking the tires, brakes, windshield wipers, and heating systems.
• Equip Vehicles with Safety Kits: Provide employees with emergency kits that include blankets, flares, and ice scrapers in case they get stranded.
• Driver Safety Training: Encourage safe winter driving practices, such as maintaining longer following distances and driving slowly during hazardous conditions.

Improve Your Workplace Safety and Workers' Compensation Management by Partnering With Alloy

Don’t wait for the first snowstorm to take action—ensure your employees are protected and your business is ready to handle the challenges of the season. Despite all the preparations, accidents can still happen. If an employee is injured, managing their workers’ compensation claim effectively will ensure that they receive proper care, and it can also reduce the financial impact on your business. Reach out to Alloy Employer Services today to strengthen your workers’ compensation strategy and keep your team safe all winter long.

With Alloy, you can ensure that your team receives the best care possible in the event of an injury, while keeping your workers' compensation costs under control. By proactively managing claims, Alloy helps businesses lower their overall workers' compensation premiums, making it easier to stay ahead of costs and maintain a safe, healthy workplace. Contact us today!