• 14
  • November
    2011

Although few of us want to admit it, winter weather is on its way. Unfortunately, along with the cold and ice come increased dangers for Connecticut construction workers and others who work outdoors.

During the winter month, New Haven workers' compensation attorneys frequently encounter workers who have been injured due weather-related hazards. Every Connecticut employer has a legal duty to provide workers with a safe job site. However, due to changing weather conditions it may not be possible to prevent all weather-related hazards. Workers can do their part to prevent injury by understanding ways to stay safe in the face of winter weather hazards.

Here are the top five dangers outdoor workers face in the winter months, along with tips for preventing injury:

Winter Driving: Snow and ice can leave roads slippery and hard to navigate. In addition to injuries sustained in a car accident, workers who get stuck after an accident or breakdown face the risk of hypothermia, frostbite and other exposure-related injuries.

Workers should use extra care when driving in inclement weather. Further, vehicles should be equipped with a winter weather survival kit that includes warm clothes, food, flashlights, a snow shovel and kitty litter or sand for traction.

Icy Surfaces: Elevated surfaces such as bridges, ladders and scaffolding freeze more quickly than surfaces at ground level. Moisture in the air can cause these surfaces to become slippery even when it is not raining or snowing.

In cold weather, workers need to inspect elevated surfaces regularly. If hazardous conditions develop, surfaces need to be de-iced as soon as possible. Workers should never be allowed on slippery elevated surfaces.

Rooftop Snow: Although finished roofs are designed to support the weight of a heavy snowfall, this is not always true for roofs that are still under construction.

Workers should consult with their architects and engineers to determine safety standards for avoiding winter work site injuries.

Frostbite: In severe cases, frostbite can lead to permanent skin damage and loss of fingers and toes. The risk of frostbite is worse in windy or humid weather.

Small white patches are a telltale sign of frostbite. Workers who develop frostbite should move to a warm area as soon as possible and allow the skin to gradually return to a normal temperature. Rubbing the skin, using a heating pad or running the skin under warm water will only make the damage worse.

Dehydration: The extra clothing worn by outdoor workers during the winter months can cause them to sweat more than usual, leading to an increased risk of dehydration. The symptoms are the same as in warm weather -- perspiration, fatigue, dizziness and severe cramping.

If cold water doesn't seem appealing on a winter day, try carrying a thermos full of a hot liquid such as cider or hot chocolate.

Source: Safety Management Group, "Five Winter Workplace Dangers," 1 November 2011