Winter can bring frigid temperatures and slippery conditions around the truck. The key to protecting yourself is to recognize the hazards that can lead to winter-related injuries and illnesses and take proper precautions. Read the information below and determine what you can do to better protect yourself in winter.
RECOGNIZE THE HAZARDS
ENVIRONMENT
Snow and ice around the truck can cause slips, trips, and falls. Likewise, whiteout conditions, sun glare, and shorter days reduce visibility and can lead to injuries. Frigid temperatures are a danger when working out in the elements and can lead to frostbite and hypothermia.
EQUIPMENT
Malfunctioning equipment can lead to serious illnesses, such as carbon monoxide poisoning, colds, and viruses. Similarly, inoperable defrosters and wiper blades reduce visibility while driving and can lead to a crash.
PERSONAL BEHAVIORS
Failing to wear proper winter clothing and footwear can lead to preventable injuries and illnesses. Likewise, hurrying and failing to use three-point contact while climbing onto slippery equipment can be hazardous.
KNOW THE DEFENSE
Ensure all equipment is functioning properly before leaving. Clean all mirrors, reflectors, lights, handrails, and steps of ice, snow, and mud. Use a carbon monoxide detector inside the cab. Ensure you have extra supplies, like washer fluid, tire chains, flashlight, kneeling pad, etc.
UTILIZE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Always wear a winter coat, gloves, and proper footwear when outside of the truck in freezing temperatures, even if it is only for a short while, like when refueling. Wear shoes with slip-resistant soles.
USE THREE POINTS OF CONTACT
Use three points of contact when working on equipment, meaning both hands and one foot or both feet and one hand are always in contact with the truck. Always face the unit when climbing on or off the tractor or trailer. Do not jump off the tractor or trailer.
BE ATTENTIVE TO YOUR SURROUNDINGS
Avoid distracted walking around the truck and do not hurry. Watch your step and be mindful of hazards like potholes, ice patches, and uneven walking surfaces.
PLAN AHEAD
Monitor weather reports and communicate regularly with dispatch. Pack extra cold weather clothing, food, water, and blankets.
The information in this article is provided as a courtesy of Great West Casualty Company and is part of the Value-Driven® Company program. Value-Driven Company was created to help educate and inform insureds so they can make better decisions, build a culture that values safety, and manage risk more effectively. To see what additional resources Great West Casualty Company can provide for its insureds, please contact your safety representative, or click below to find an agent.
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This material is intended to be a broad overview of the subject matter and is provided for informational purposes only. Great West Casualty Company does not provide legal advice to its insureds, nor does it advise insureds on employment-related issues. Therefore, the subject matter is not intended to serve as legal or employment advice for any issue(s) that may arise in the operations of its insureds. Legal advice should always be sought from the insured’s legal counsel. Great West Casualty Company shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss, action, or inaction alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the information contained herein.
