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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.
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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
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