Winter Safety in Industry: Navigating Cold Conditions with Confidence

As the temperature drops, it’s important to be reminded of best practices to stay safe (and warm). The following tips should always be top of mind:

1. Good Things Have Layers: Lasagna. Tiramisu. Employees who aren’t cold. Dressing in layers allows you to trap heat easily while providing you the ability to adjust clothing as needed. Start with a moisture-wicking layer (synthetic or polypropylene, not cotton!) to avoid your body cooling down due to sweat. Then add a light insulating layer (light fleece or long-sleeve shirt) to retain heat and, if needed, a heavier fleece to trap the heat and keep you warm. Choose layers that are compliant with your employer and allow the movement needed for work. A wind/waterproof layer can be added to increase protection during outdoor tasks.

2. Put Your Best Foot Forward: Good traction is key for navigating winter conditions. Invest in non-slip, insulated boots to prevent slips and falls on icy surfaces as well as to keep your feet warm. We chose the word invest deliberately, as well-made footwear will generate benefits. Avoid a tight fit that restricts circulation and movement. What’s inside of your boots is important as well. We recommend a two-layer sock system for cold conditions. Again, lose the cotton and opt for a thin polypropylene sock with a wool sock over top. The first layer allows moisture to be wicked from the feet, and wool stays warm even when wet from snow or sweat.

3. Have a Nice Trip, and See You Next Fall: This is not breaking news, but we’ll shout it out nonetheless: SNOW & ICE CREATE HAZARDS! Slips trips, and falls—the most common of workplace injuries—increase dramatically during winter months. To prevent such occurrences, along with the pain and embarrassment that often accompany them, snow and ice should be cleared from all walking surfaces. Salt and deicer should be used as quickly as possible for the best results. If walking on snow or ice is unavoidable, take shorter steps and walk slower to improve reaction time to traction changes.

4. I Don’t Feel Thirsty: Yes, but you still need to hydrate. During the winter season, it is not uncommon to feel like we need to consume less fluids. This can be perceived by less perspiration and decreased feelings of thirst. However, we are still losing fluids through respiration, sweat, and urination even in cold weather. Proper hydration is crucial to ensure our bodies can generate enough heat to maintain a healthy body temperature. Drink water regularly throughout the day even if you don’t feel thirsty. Decrease the intake of beverages with high concentrations of alcohol and caffeine as those can contribute to dehydration.

5. Communication Matters: Report any safety concerns promptly to ensure a quick and effective response to potential hazards and decrease the risk of injury. Enough said, right?

By following these safety guidelines, we can ensure a safe environment for everyone. Stay vigilant, stay warm, and let's navigate this winter season with caution and care.

All this being said, accidents do happen, and know Advanced Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine is here when you need us!