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| Cold Weather Safety Tips for Heating Oil Dealers
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During cold weather, heating oil delivery workers are exposed to weather
extremes, such as high winds, cold temperatures, ice, snow, sleet and freezing
rain. These weather conditions present potential hazards to workers. Here we
highlight basic safety measures that management of a heating oil dealer should
consider to protect delivery workers from the hazards of cold weather.
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Provide workers with cold weather protective clothing and equipment for the
job. Suggest that they wear: cotton or polypropylene underwear; multiple layers
of light, loose-fitting clothes (air between the layers provides warmth);
outerwear that is waterproof; and a warm hat with ear protection, since as much
as 40 percent of body heat can be lost from an uncovered head (a wool knit cap
provides good protection).
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Provide workers with insulated, waterproof boots with slip-resistant soles
during wet conditions. Suggest that they wear woolen socks to protect ankles
and feet and carry an extra pair of socks and change them if socks become
wet.
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For very cold weather or long-duration outside activities, provide workers with
felt-lined rubber-bottomed, leather-topped boots with a removable felt insole.
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Provide training to workers on the proper use of protective clothing, equipment
and the precautions to take during cold weather operations.
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Provide UV blocking sunglasses for workers when working near snow or on bright
days.
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Provide work breaks where workers can get warm liquids (soup, broth, coffee or
tea) to avoid dehydration.
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Train workers to recognize the signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Advise
workers that if they see a coworker with any signs of hypothermia to
immediately assist them to a warm shelter. Prompt re-warming at the early
warning signs can prevent serious problems. Early warning signs are excessive
shivering, blue lips and fingers, slurred speech, poor coordination and
impaired thinking.
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Train workers on how to administer first aid for frostbite and hypothermia.
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Educate workers on how alcohol and drugs may increase the risk of hypothermia.
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Educate workers to periodically check their extremities (fingers, toes, ears,
nose tip and cheeks) to detect numb or hard areas that might indicate
frostbite.
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Provide first aid supplies and safety equipment, such as flashlights and
emergency flares, in each delivery vehicle.
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Provide emergency telephone numbers for medical help in each vehicle.
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Monitor weather reports and notify delivery workers when conditions warrant.
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Keep all access roads and vehicle parking areas as clear as possible to prevent
vehicle accidents and worker slips and falls.
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Keep delivery vehicles free of snow, ice or mud accumulations. Provide vehicles
with equipment to remove ice and snow.
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Rotate job assignments during cold weather to lessen worker exposure to the
cold.
COPYRIGHT ©2003, ISO Services Properties, Inc.
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