In the Carolinas, our winters consist of a little bit more cold than precipitation. It seems that, when it comes to snow and ice, we only face a serious case once every few years. However, if you’re working during those stormy times, it can be easy too obtain winter workplace accidents and serious injury. While the weather itself is not common, injury is. When you take into consideration the fact that we, as Carolinians, don’t typically take much time to prep ourselves for winter weather (besides the bread and milk), you can see why these injuries are common. But, what exactly are these injuries? And what do I need to watch out for as an employee, and an employer?
Winter Workplace Accidents: Common Types and Causes
Slip and falls
Most obviously, slips and falls are the most common winter workplace accidents, no matter the field. When walkways become slick, the ground is hard, and even the morning dew is freeing over— it’s easy to take a tumble. For this reason, it’s important that employers take notice of the weather, and salt the walkways, parking lots, stairs, and so forth. Furthermore, it’s important that employees also observe the weather, wear non-slip shoes, and be cautious of slippery walkways.
Snow removal injuries
One of the less common winter workplace accidents, being that we don’t get much snow— is snow removal injuries. Snow can be heavy, and removing it can be quite laborious. Therefore, because of the physical labor, back injuries can be quite common amongst those left to clear snow over long periods of time. Furthermore, it can be quite slick where you’re working, therefore slips and falls are common in this setting as well.
Frostbite or hypothermia
Frostbite and hypothermia are also common when it comes to working outside. Most people have the misconception of ‘if I don’t mind the cold, it’s not a threat’. However, this is absolutely not the case. In reality, spending time in freeing temperatures can cause frostbite at a relatively quick pace. For this reason, if you know that you’ll be working out in these temperatures, it’s important to wear the appropriate gear, but also to spend periods inside to let your body warm up.
Using Caution
For the most part, almost all winter workplace accidents can be avoided if you work and walk with caution. Dress appropriately, watch your step, and spend as much time indoors as possible on those tough, freezing days. Injuries and accidents will always happen. But, that’s not to say that you can’t prevent some of them.