Winter Workplace Safety Tips!

In the midst of winter, freezing rain, snow, and ice can drastically increase the potential for winter-related workplace accidents.

Putting safety precautions in place can reduce the chance of a workplace accident once cold weather conditions arrive. The simple actions outlined below may help decrease workers’ compensation claims which can affect your bottom line and can help control the cost of your policy premium moving forward.

 It's never too late to take these simple steps to protect you, your employees, and your business:

1. Manage walkways and parking lots. When a winter storm rolls in, the chances of slipping and falling skyrocket. It’s important to keep all common walkways and parking lots clear of ice and snow – this improves safety for both your employees, and your customers.

2. Stay warm. Encourage all employees — especially those who work outside — to dress appropriately for the weather and wear multiple layers. Frostbite is a very serious condition that can be prevented by planning ahead. Several layers of clothing allow you to adjust to the environment as temperatures and weather conditions fluctuate throughout the day.

3. Prepare work vehicles. If you have employees who drive as part of their job duties (such as visiting job sites, picking up office supplies, driving team members to an off-site meeting, or visiting clients) keep them safe on the road by properly maintaining their work vehicles. A reliable set of winter or all-season tires with good tread should be a priority. We also recommend keeping a fully stocked emergency road kit in each vehicle complete with a flashlight, batteries, a blanket, snacks, water, gloves, boots, a first-aid kit, an ice scraper/snow brush, jumper cables, reflectors and road flares.

4. Update first-aid kits. Conduct regular checks of all first aid kits around the workplace, and refill supplies as needed. If your employees are regularly exposed to the winter elements, make available several items that are vital in the colder months and don’t take up too much room: air-activated hand, body, and foot warmers, and information cards on how to treat hypothermia, frostbite, and more.

At AIS, we are committed to helping to provide resources to keep your employees safe year round.