PalletCentral • November-December 2022
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Adele L. Abrams is an
attorney and safety
professional who represents
companies in litigation
with OSHA and also
provides safety training and
consultation. The Law Office
of Adele L. Abrams PC has
three offices: Beltsville, MD;
Denver, CO; and Charleston,
WV. She may be reached
at www.safety-law.com
or 301-595-3520.
Wind chill monitoring is critical
as conditions can change quickly.
environmental and workplace conditions that can
expose them to cold stress hazards, how to limit
these risks, how to report problems, give first aid to
others and contact emergency services when needed.
Workers should also be aware that age, medical
conditions and even medications can put them at
elevated risk. Proper clothing selection, including
loose layers that can insulate body heat, and fabrics
such as wool, silk or synthetics keep moisture away
from the body, and can be effective when coupled
with an outer layer with ventilation that protects
outdoor workers against wind and rain.
Supervisors must be educated about cold stress
and understand that workers must be gradually
introduced to the cold, be provided with frequent
breaks in warm and dry areas, and be monitored
for signs of cold stress. Supervisors can schedule
outdoor tasks for the warmest parts of the day where
feasible, check the National Weather Service's wind
chill information, watches and warnings, and make
sure workers use a "buddy system" to lower fatigue
and enable monitoring of each other's wellbeing.
Wind chill monitoring is critical as conditions can
change quickly, and while the air temperature might
be 40 degrees and not viewed as a risk, if the wind is
35 mph, the wind chill temperature is the equivalent
of 28 degrees F.
So, when the wind begins to blow, and the
forecast calls for snow, make sure your workers won't
be singing the blues … oh baby, it's cold outside!
WIND:
iStock.com/lyubovyaya
