There are some precautions you can take to help prevent common winter workplace hazards.

Knowing the common winter weather-related hazards in the workplace can help an employer identify where an injury could potentially take place and prevent it from occurring.

Sidewalks, Streets and Floors. Make sure your sidewalks, steps and driveways are shovelled. These areas can pose a serious threat to workers and others who enter the building or facility site. You should consider placing winter salt on your sidewalks and streets after snowfalls and ice storms in order to improve traction for people walking and prevent falls.  Employers should encourage their employees to walk more slowly and pay attention to the conditions of the area.

Check any gutters to make sure they are draining away from walkways in order to prevent ice buildup. A good idea is to place mats in and outside of any entranceways. If you place some outside, make sure they are made not to slip around on snow that may build up underneath.

Stairs and Ladders. Most people wear their outside shoes indoors as well. Wet shoes can cause a fall from a stair step or a ladder which will likely cause an injury. Check to make sure all of your handrails are secure. You wouldn’t want someone to grab onto it and hurt themselves because the railing is not secure.

Fall From Elevated Heights. Falls from for example snow-covered rooftops can cause serious or sometimes even fatal injuries. As an employer, especially in industries like construction you should make sure that rooftops are cleared of snow. Having snow on a roof can hide fall-through hazards like skylights, powerlines and other equipment.

Mop It Up. If your entranceway tends to accumulate water from snow-covered shoes and boots, make sure someone is available to mop up any puddles left behind. This is a big problem in businesses that cause people to slip and fall.

Your Employees are the best resource for finding slip and fall hazards in the workplace. Encourage them to report any areas of concern so your staff can take care of them right away.

There are many hazards during the winter months. If you would like to know more about safety precautions for your workplace, don’t hesitate to reach out to us by calling 613-558-5385 or emailing us at info@auspicesafety.com