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Employees


SAFETY TALK

Cold Weather Hazards

Winter weather brings new hazards - at and at work - especially if your responsibilities include snow and ice removal.

Unsafe use of snow removal equipment causes the Postal ServiceTM to average two amputations a year. You can avoid injury by heeding the cautions outlined in this safety talk. By working together, we can achieve this year's target of zero amputations.

Consider these winter weather safety tips:

Stay warm and dry to prevent hypothermia (dangerous lowering of the body's core temperature).

• Dress in layers of clothing so you can remove outerwear if you get too warm.

• Keep dry by using waterproof footwear and clothing.

• Keep a change of socks and gloves handy in case yours get wet.

Avoid frostbite. In severely cold weather, protect your hands, toes, and cheeks from freezing.

Take it easy when you shovel snow by hand to prevent a back injury or heart attack.

• Push snow, rather than lift, when possible.

• Take smaller loads if the snow is wet and heavy.

• Take frequent breaks; keep from getting too warm.

• Drink water often to replace fluid and minerals lost by sweating.

Follow these safety tips for using snow removal equipment:

• Check equipment (such as snow blowers) before using to make sure it is functioning properly and safety guards are in place.

• Don't run gasoline-powered equipment indoors; avoid exposure to carbon monoxide, which can be fatal.

• Check plows and other mobile equipment for problems and obstructions by walking completely around them.

• Keep people away from the area where you start to operate a machine.

• Before starting the engine or motor, shift into neutral and make sure all clutches are disengaged.

• Walk slowly and carefully so you don't slip.

• Keep a firm hold on the machine.

• Don't try to remove snow too quickly; you'll overload the machine.

• Stay away from the discharge opening to avoid getting entangled in the blades or being struck by objects propelled by them.

• Never put your hand in any part of the equipment while the machine is running. To remove snow or ice buildup do the following:

1. Turn off the engine or motor.

2. Wait for all moving parts to stop.

3. Use a tool (never your fingers or hands).

— Safety Performance Management,
Employee Resource Management, 11-24-05