Winter Is Coming: Winter Workplace Safety Tips

The month of December heralds the beginning of winter, at least for those of us who are currently shivering in the Northern Hemisphere. The days may be growing longer from December 21st, but the weather is only getting colder. Amidst an energy crisis, an increase of flu cases and slippery streets, it is worthwhile to make sure that the cold season doesn't dampen the mood.

Prepare yourself for workplace safety hazards during the winter months and use our cold weather safety tips to make sure that you and your employees stay happy and healthy. The worst of the Covid-19 pandemic may finally be over, but all those safety habits we picked up can help protect us against seasonal flu and the common cold, as well.

Tips to Prepare Your Office For Winter – The Inns & Outs

In many northern countries, winter means snow and ice. This means that cold weather safety tips for the workplace need to cover safety precautions both indoors and out.?For while a thick blanket of snow might look pretty, it can be dangerous too. In the USA, around 24% of weather-related vehicle crashes happen on snowy or icy roads and 15% happen while it’s snowing or sleeting.?

Winter Safety Outside: Who Is Responsible for Clearing up Snow and Ice?

?Snow removal laws vary by city, municipality, and by state in the USA . Often landlords and property owners are responsible for removing snow and ice from the paths and pavements around their property, but this obligation may also fall to the tenant. Wherever you live, your rental agreement should lay out who is responsible for this task. It’s a good idea to find out when the sidewalks outside your office need to be cleared, too – sometimes it’s as early as 6am!

After an area has been cleared, a good sprinkle of grit or de-icing agent will help make it safe to walk on. The use of salt for de-icing may be controlled for environmental reasons , so it is important to look up the regulations for your specific area.?

If someone is injured because the snow in your area was improperly removed, they might be able to sue you for damages. Even if you’re not liable for injuries, you may be fined if you don’t fulfill your snow-removal responsibilities in time.

To carry out your duties and keep your workers (and the general public) safe this winter, the following should be done:

• Clear up snow and ice in parking lots, on sidewalks, and walkways around the building
• Clear snow and ice from roofs, including icicles that may fall on people
• Preserve clear fire lanes around the building?for fire safety
• Clear snow, ice, and debris from entrances, exits, and doorway areas
• Inspect your building to make sure everything is in good shape – the roof, plumbing, etc.
• Attend to all necessary maintenance and supplies (such as de-icer, etc.)
• Keep the paths around your building well-lit and clearly marked?

What Are Winter Threats Inside the Workplace?

Even by protecting your team and colleagues by making their way into the office as safe as possible, there are also certain precautions that need to be taken inside the workplace to make sure everyone is safe.

As European governments are currently trying to conserve their natural gas supplies , keeping warm in the office might be a little more difficult than in past years.?

It is especially important now that your HVAC system has been inspected and is working more efficiently than ever. New window coverings can help keep the office heating inside where it belongs so that everything is sealed tight and energy-efficient so that no heat can escape.

However, a tightly-sealed interior has its own dangers. First off, it might be prudent to conduct an indoor air quality assessment to check for any pollutants that could be accumulating inside your office. Even carbon dioxide, which is harmless to breathe at normal levels, can build up and cause unpleasant effects.?

Second, a poorly-ventilated interior space, full of people, is a great environment for spreading respiratory diseases. The number of Covid-19 cases have declined, but that’s no reason to become complacent. Increased attention to cleaning and sanitizing your workplace will help prevent new Covid cases, as well as seasonal influenza and the common cold. ?

Health is Wealth: Keep your employees safe during flu season

Seasonal flu can be quite dangerous in its own right. In Ontario, Canada, health officials are asking people to return to wearing masks indoors – not because of Covid, but because a vicious winter flu is making a lot of children sick and overwhelming local hospitals. Flu cases in Europe have been low so far, but that could change.?

To help protect your workers against winter illness:

• encourage all vulnerable people to get vaccinated – older people, those with underlying health conditions, pregnant women, and people who are more exposed to illness, such as healthcare workers and teachers.
• wear well-fitting masks, covering the nose and mouth, when around others.
• wash hands regularly and use hand sanitizer.
• stay away from others when you have a respiratory virus.
• open all windows regularly for 5 minutes to ventilate the workplace properly.

In the EU, you can check the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control website for weekly flu updates . In the USA, the Centers for Disease Control maintains a weekly flu tracker by state . Armed with this information, you’ll know when to raise the alert level at your office.

Create A Warm Environment

In the end, one of the best ways to help your employees feel warm and cozy this winter season is to let them know you care about them. Organize a Christmas party and a Secret Santa gift exchange or play some holiday games online to include your remote team.

It may also be nice to keep an event page or Slack channel where you can put out updates and employees can raise concerns – such as what to do when schools close because of flu or Covid, or nearby airports close because of bad weather. This can help your office maintain productivity throughout the winter season.

Happy Holiday Season!

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