It’s no secret that Connecticut is a chilly place in the winter. The cutting winds, snow, ice and dangerously low temperatures all add up to create an environment where it’s easy to get hurt. Whether your job duties keep you outside during much of the day, or you work in a heated office, here are some of the most common winter workplace injuries to look out for.
The dangers of ice
Ice can build up on roads, sidewalks, stairs and walkways at an alarming rate. Even if your company is diligent about laying down salt and scraping away ice, it’s always a possibility for you to encounter a fresh sheet of ice in the parking lot.
Slip and fall injuries due to ice account for tens of thousands of workplace injuries nationwide each year. Connecticut’s rate of ice-related injuries exceeds the national average at 5.6 to 6.7 per 10,000 workers.
Although slipping on an icy sidewalk or parking lot is dangerous enough, the danger becomes much more pronounced when your job requires you to work at elevated heights. Make sure to always wear your safety harness and other safety gear when up on roofs, raised platforms and other places where ice could accumulate.
Exposure to the cold
If your job duties require you to work outside for large portions of the day, make sure to dress adequately for the cold. Even with the proper clothing, however, you could still suffer from frostbite or hypothermia if exposed for too long.
Make sure you recognize the warning signs of hypothermia and frostbite, so that you can take a break, get inside, and warm up before you suffer serious and potentially irreversible consequences.
Suffering a workplace accident is devastating for you and for your family. Make sure to take extra precautions during the winter months so that you can minimize the chances of a serious injury while on the job.