Just before the holidays, the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published a new website regarding
Winter Storms. Even though the northeast got snow on halloween, so far this year it has been tame regarding winter storms. Last winter was a different story, which is probably the reason OSHA has published this informational site to assist employers in proteecting workers from the anticipated hazards
associated with winter storm response and recovery operations that
workers are likely to conduct.
The site provides information in preparing for a winter storm, response and recovery, and additional resources. Preparation includes such things as listening to the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio or going to the
NOAA Watch website for information on the storm, winterizing your car, preparing and carrying an emergency kit. Response and recovery includes information regarding the different hazards workers may face, such as driving/vehicle accidents,
carbon monoxide poisoning, hypothermia and frostbite, exhaustion, dehydration, back injuries and heart attack, slips and falls, electrocution, burns, being struck by falling objects, roof collapse, and lacerations or amputations.
The site is a very good source of information for preventing the hazards discussed above. In particular the winterizing your car part is very helpful in getting yourself ready for the winter storms that are only a matter of time before they get here.
