Working in a Safe
Winter Wonderland
As we make our way into the winter months we should stop to consider certain safety hazards unique to this time of year. The severity of the weather and the frequency at which changes occur are key factors in maintaining a safe environment at work.
Exposure to cold weather can cause the body's internal temperature to drop to a dangerous level. This is called Hypothermia. It occurs when a person's body looses heat faster than it can be produced. The first symptom is an uncontrollable shivering.
Frostbite is the freezing of some parts of the body: fingers, toes, ears, face... It is progressive. If superficial frostbite is identified early, tissues may not be damaged, and gradual warming of the frozen part of the body may prevent more serious injury.
To avoid Hypothermia, employees should stay dry and try to avoid excessive exposure. Wet clothes draw heat very quickly from the body. Inner clothing such as wool or polyproyldne retain warmth even when wet. Cotton should be avoided. Down clothing is good for cold dry weather but it loses almost all insulating value if it gets wet. Layers of clothing should be worn which may be removed or put back depending on the physical activity. Being wet from sweat is just as dangerous as being wet from rain or snow.
Also, in severe cold it is important to prevent heat loss from as many areas of the body as possible. Exposed limbs and the head are major areas of heat loss, and should be covered as much as possible, keeping enough blood flowing to the hands and the feet by remaining active is the key to preventing frostbite.
Pain in the hands and the feet is felt only when the temperature of the tissue is changing very rapidly. There may be no pain with gradual freezing. Loss of the sensation of touch, pressure, and pain may occur without awareness. Therefore it is important to test these sensations often and wear the appropriate clothing that is loose and does not restrict the flow of the blood to the limbs.
Employees should observe each other for signs of the effects of cold weather and should take appropriate actions promtly as needed. Ensure that proper sanding and cleaning is performed at required locations (don't forget employee parking lots).
With 26 years of railroad experience, Woodland, Maine General Foreman Stephen Cottrell knows what kind of hazards the winter months can present. "I've seen the temperature drop 50 degrees in one day," he said. "Frostbite isn't the only thing to be wary off. You could get a bolt to break right off the joint while you're working on it. You have so much pressure while the rail is contracting. We run extra inspections doing the winter to keep on top of them."