While California may not frequently experience harsh winters, you never know what the weather will bring come December. For outdoor workers, exposure to extreme cold or chilled environments increases the risk of illness or injury, much like heat-related conditions during the summer. Understanding these risks and taking preventative measures can help ensure safety in cold weather.
If, however, you have suffered a workplace injury due to cold weather, we recommend contacting a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles promptly to file a claim within the statute of limitations.
Below, you can find cold-weather safety tips for outdoor workers in the winter.
Why Cold-Weather Safety Matters
Extreme cold can lead to various health hazards, including frostbite, hypothermia, and other illnesses. These risks are particularly concerning for outdoor workers who may be exposed to low temperatures or damp conditions for extended periods.
As temperatures drop, it is important to stay informed and prepared with safety strategies in your back pocket.
Stay Prepared: Cold-Weather Safety Tips
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that employers protect their workers from unsafe conditions during the winter months. This might mean assigning extra team members for lengthy projects, offering warm beverages, limiting exposure to extreme cold, and providing heated spaces for breaks. It is also crucial to educate employees on the symptoms of cold stress, including signs of hypothermia, frostbite, and trench foot, to prevent serious health issues.
Workers, too, can play their part in taking proactive measures to stay safe in low temperatures. Below are five essential cold-weather safety tips for outdoor workers.
1. Wear the Right Clothing
Layering is key to retaining warmth in the winter. Start with moisture-wicking base layers such as long underwear, followed by insulating layers like a sweater or fleece jacket, and finish with a wind- and water-resistant outer layer. Loosely fitted clothing allows for proper blood circulation and easier movement, which helps maintain body heat.
We also recommend wearing insulated gloves, waterproof boots, wool socks, and a beanie to protect against frostbite. Keeping your extremities covered and warm helps maintain overall body temperature.
2. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well
Surprisingly, dehydration can occur even in cold weather. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic fluids. Eat warm, high-calorie meals to provide your body with the energy needed to generate heat. Hot beverages, like tea, can also warm you up from the inside.
3. Use Proper Equipment
Ensure tools and machinery are well-maintained and designed for use in cold weather. Cold temperatures can cause equipment to malfunction, leading to potential safety hazards. Regularly inspect and test equipment to make sure it works properly, reducing the risk of accidents on the job.
4. Follow Rest-and-Work Cycles
Implement regular work-rest cycles to reduce prolonged exposure to freezing conditions. Take scheduled breaks in warm areas to help your body recover and maintain warmth. You might even want to do some light warm-up exercises before starting tasks to increase blood flow and prepare your body for the cold.
Additionally, avoid direct contact with cold metal surfaces, as they can cause frostbite quickly — this is where the insulated gloves come in handy.
5. Monitor Each Other
Use a buddy system to keep an eye out for one another and watch for signs of cold stress, such as confusion or excessive shivering. Early detection can prevent serious health issues.
Be sure everyone knows where the emergency supplies and first aid kits are kept, and of course, call 911 if necessary.
Contact the Best Injury Attorney – Los Angeles
Our knowledgeable and experienced personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles, CA are here to walk you through the legal process following a cold-weather work injury. The statute of limitations typically requires you to file a Los Angeles personal injury claim within two years of the date of the injury. This means that if you were injured, it is important to reach out to our Los Angeles personal injury law firm ASAP to get the most out of your claim.
With over 25 years of experience, John J. Perlstein is one of the best personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles, securing fair and just outcomes in personal injury and wrongful death cases. He will ensure accurate compensation for victims and their families.
To set up a free consultation with a top Los Angeles injury attorney regarding your cold-weather personal injury claim, fill out our form online or give us a call at (213) 583-5786.