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WINTER HAZARDS

WINTER HAZARDS. Minnesota Statistics. Last winter, two people died after falling through the ice Over the last 10 years, 43 people drowned after breaking through thin ice Sixty-five percent of all ice drownings are vehicle related Last winter, 10 people died in snowmobile accidents

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WINTER HAZARDS

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  1. WINTER HAZARDS

  2. Minnesota Statistics • Last winter, two people died after falling through the ice • Over the last 10 years, 43 people drowned after breaking through thin ice • Sixty-five percent of all ice drownings are vehicle related • Last winter, 10 people died in snowmobile accidents • Last winter, 70 percent of snowmobile deaths were alcohol or drug related • Source MN Dept of Public Safety

  3. Preparing for Winter Conditions • Working Outdoors • PPE • Tools and Equipment • On the Road • Medical Issues • Heat and Power Sources • Hazards

  4. Working Outdoors Don appropriate winter PPE Wear appropriate clothing for conditions Wear loose fitting, layered warm clothing with a hat and gloves Keep fresh water and first-aid items on hand Be aware of potential fire and carbon monoxide hazards if a portable heat source is used

  5. Working Outdoors Keep your clothes and socks dry Use ice-melt or sand on walking surfaces in active work areas Keep doorways free of snow and ice hanging from above or blocking from opening Be familiar with the effects of wind chill Take breaks to rehydrate and warm-up

  6. Work Smart Warm up muscles before shoveling by walking a few minutes and then stretch your arms and legs Don’t overload the shovel – bend at your knees, stand up, and then pivot DON’T lift, twist, and throw in 1 motion

  7. Tools and Equipment Store tools in a warm, clean location Choose the right tools for the conditions Remember, a layer of ice will make anything heavier

  8. On The Road • Ensure vehicles and equipment are winterized by late fall • Keep fuel tanks near full • Keep the vehicle equipped with emergency supplies • Use extreme caution while driving, especially at intersections

  9. Travel Emergency Tips Stay in your car or truck – do not use radio or lights unless engine is running Run the engine at 10 minute intervals for heat Maintain proper ventilation by making sure the exhaust pipe is not plugged and leave the windows open slightly to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning Make yourself visible to rescuers – tie a bright cloth to your antenna or door handle

  10. Medical Issues • Recognize & treat hypothermia properly • Inability to concentrate • Poor coordination • Slurred speech • Drowsiness • Exhaustion • Uncontrollable shivering, followed by a sudden lack of shivering • If hypothermia is suspected, seek medical attention immediately

  11. Medical Issues • Recognize & treat frostbite properly • First, the skin may feel numb and become flushed, and then it turns white or grayish-yellow – frostbitten skin feels cold to the touch • If frostbite is suspected, move the victim to a warm area, then cover the affected area with something warm and dry – never rub it or plunge into hot water! • Finally, get to a doctor or hospital as quickly as possible

  12. Heat and Power Sources Wood Stoves Electric Space Heaters Kerosene Heaters Wood Burning Fireplaces Portable Generators

  13. Know the Hazards Carbon Monoxide Electrical Hazards Fire Hazards

  14. Summary Winter can be safe as long as we keep the needed supplies on hand Outside activities are safe as long as we dress properly including good traction shoes as long as we don’t over do it – seek medical attention if needed Remember to keep your automobiles and equipment in good working condition and supplied with necessary items

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