Stay on your feet this winter.
To ensure a safe winter workplace in Australia, employers should focus on providing appropriate protective clothing, maintaining warm and dry work areas, and offering training on working in cold environments, while also addressing potential hazards like slips, falls, and cold-related illnesses.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of key safety considerations:
1. Workplace Conditions & Hazards:
- Cold Stress: Recognise the challenges of air temperature, wind, and humidity, and implement measures to counter them.
- Slippery Surfaces: Address the increased risk of slips and falls due to ice, snow, and wet conditions.
- Hypothermia and Frostbite: Be aware of the risks of cold-related injuries and ensure workers are adequately protected.
- Winter Illnesses: Take steps to prevent the spread of colds and flu.
2. Safe Work Practices:
- Appropriate Clothing: Provide warm, waterproof clothing, including specialised protection for extremities like hands and feet.
- Localised Heating: Consider providing warm-up rooms or shelters, especially for workers in cold environments.
- Clear and Dry Work Areas: Keep high-traffic areas clear of ice, snow, and water, and ensure proper drainage.
- Safe Work Procedures: Implement procedures for working in cold environments, including work/rest schedules and proper PPE.
- Training: Educate workers on the risks of working in the cold and how to protect themselves.
- Hot Drinks and Food: Provide access to hot drinks and meals to help workers stay warm.
- Safe System of Work: Implement procedures and processes to eliminate or minimize hazards and risks in workplace operations
- Check the Bureau of Meteorology: Monitor temperature and weather warnings in your area
3. Specific Considerations:
- Workers in Cold Environments: Provide appropriate protective clothing and minimise time spent in cold environments.
- Extremities: Ensure workers have adequate protection for their hands, feet, and face.
- Metal Surfaces: Insulate or substitute metal handles and control bars to reduce heat loss.
- PPE: Ensure workers have access to and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
- First Aid: Ensure first aid is readily available and that workers are trained in recognising and treating cold-related injuries.
Resources and Links
https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/hazards-a-z/cold-environments#:~:text=Provide%20Personal%20Protective%20Clothing,of%20water%20in%20the%20clothing.
https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/hazards/working-outside/working-cold
https://safeworkwhitecardtraining.com.au/winter-safety-tips-work/