Depending on your profession, you may find yourself working outdoors during the cold winter months. While it’s part of your job and you may be used to it, that doesn’t change the fact that it’s dangerous. For example, if you remain outdoors for too long, exposure to the cold could easily result in frostbite.
How can you protect yourself against winter dangers at work?
If you’re staffed with the responsibility of working outdoors during the winter months, here are some things you can do to protect yourself:
- Wear the appropriate clothing: Even if you’re not overly cold when the day begins, this can change quickly. You can always take clothes off, so don’t shy away from layering. It’s better to have more protection than not enough.
- Take regular breaks: Not only should you take breaks to catch your breath and recuperate, but it’s also essential to maintaining your warmth. Try to break in a warm area, such as inside a running motor vehicle or building.
- Keep an eye on the sky: You have to contend with more than cold weather. You could also find yourself working in snow, ice or sleet among other conditions. This increases the risk of an accident, such as a slip and fall.
If you suffer any type of injury on the job this winter, stop what you’re doing to assess your situation and determine if you require medical assistance.
Should your injury or illness keep you from working in the near future, you may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim. Approval will help you financially as you recover.
