February Safety: Slip & Fall Prevention, Nuclear Winter Continues - Extreme Weather Becoming Normal

1. February Safety Info Slip & Fall Prevention Nuclear Winter Continues – Extreme Weather Becoming Normal Defensive Driving Tips for Extreme Weather PPE For Cold Weather

2. Slip & fall prevention • Walking/standing/climbing surfaces: Watch where you are walking. Use a flashlight, cap light or phone light at night. Keep hands free. • Guard rail, fence line, etc.: walk around to get to the other side. Avoid stepping on obstructions. Step over for secure footing. Weight transfer. • Use caution when walking on slippery surfaces – metal, pipe, logs, pavement, etc. Guardrail for example. • Use windshield fluid, brush, scraper, etc. to clean glass- run defroster in cab • Slip & Fall caused by #1 NOT LOOKING WHERE WALKING, #2 Distraction, carrying object while walking. Focus, concentrate!

3. February: short but brutal • Prepare for more extreme weather as climate change redefines the seasons. • Tornados and the thunderstorms that occurred in January, for example, are not exactly normal; torrential rains, mud slides, flooding, extreme snowfall in the west, etc. • Be sure you’re prepared for any type of weather forecast for your area! • Short term plan: buy a strong umbrella; reduce your engine idle time; shut it down. Carry jumper cables. • Stay hydrated. Eat right. Get sufficient REM sleep. Use hand sanitizer. Cover mouth when coughing. • Wear eye protection – most cold germs enter the body through tear ducts. • Use Chapstick, hand and skin lotion.

4. Winter defensive driving • In extreme cold, test your brakes before rolling out. • When your brakes get wet, drag brakes briefly to dry the pads. • Do this before parking outdoors overnight to prevent freeze-up. • Most newer vehicles are designed to minimize this problem, but it helps to be aware of it. • Remove heavy slush build-up in wheel wells. If this stuff freezes it can impair your steering. • Pay attention to exhaust system when idling in heavy snow. Particularly important in vehicles that are lower to the ground. Keep tailpipe clear to prevent exhaust gas infiltration into cabin. Ventilate with fresh air. • Stay well away from other vehicles, particularly semi-trailers, plows, sanders, 4-wheel-cowboys showing off, etc. Snow & ice blow-off can be dangerous. Clean your own rig. • Carry extra weight for stability and traction. Check your tire pressures.

5. Ppe & dress code for cold weather • Eye & face protection can make a big difference. Think ‘ski goggles,’ Wrap around safety glasses. Use tinted lens in bright sun, snow glare. • Avoid overuse of tinted lens. Be ready to switch them out to clear lens. • Chin strap is required when in work zone. Helmet liner is preferred for comfort and heat retention. • Avoid standing for long periods directly on cold surfaces. Use insulating layer - even cardboard will help. • Watch your step when exiting vehicle. LOOK before parking. Try to find a clear area to step out. Hold onto truck until your weight is shifted. • Use a support device like a shovel, stick, etc. when walking on uneven, icy, rutted surfaces. It doesn’t take much to cause a slip. • Make sure your High Viz Apparel is clean, properly deployed. Stay visible to oncoming traffic. • No CAMO! Avoid wearing dark colored outer garments in work zones and on ROW.