Avoiding Snow and Cold Temperature Related Workers Comp Claims
The first snow storm and cold temperatures of 2012 will undoubtedly bring with it a few workers comp claims. Employers are liable for workers’ compensation benefits to an employee who sustains a snow or cold related injury while working. Although employers may have no choice but to send employees outside in the winter, their health and safety should always be a priority. Many snow and cold related workers compensation claims can be avoided with proper equipment and some common sense.
Snow
Un-shoveled or icy pathways can lead to slips and falls by employees. Make sure walkways, steps and entrances are properly cleared and maintained. Keep adequate supplies of ice melt and sand on hand and spread frequently.
Before asking any employee to shovel snow, make sure that they are healthy and capable enough to do so. Too many people suffer heart attacks while shoveling snow. Some at-risk work populations face even higher risks in the cold. These include older workers, workers who have predisposing health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and hypertension, and workers who are taking certain types of medications.
Lifting snow can also cause serious back injuries. Have employees wear back braces for added support. Always assign multiple employees to void having only one worker remove snow for a long period of time. Provide employees with plows, snow blowers and ergonomic shovels.
Hire professional snow removal companies to perform the work and eliminate the risks of snow related injuries.
Cold Temperatures
Employees who are exposed to cold temperatures are especially susceptible to hypothermia, frostbite and other cold exposure injuries. Train employees on OSHA’s Cold stress equation so they can take preventive actions or quickly recognize the symptoms and take corrective actions
If employees are exposed to outside winter conditions for long periods of time as a requirement of the job, think about issuing them or supplementing the cost of coats, gloves, boots, ear protection, and hats.
Allow employees to take frequent short breaks in warm dry shelters to allow the body to warm up.
Filed under: Human Resource, Small Business