Loss Control Insights

When Temperatures Drop, the Potential for Accidents Rises

“Severe winter weather can lead to property damage, employee illness or injury, and possible business closures,” notes EMC Senior Engineer Larry Readout, who shares the following winter preparedness tips from the Center for Food Security and Public Health:

• Stay informed—Monitor severe weather in your area at www.weather.gov.
• Stockpile emergency supplies—Including emergency power, sandbags, a shovel, and road salt or ice melt.
• Have a business emergency plan—The plan should address shelter locations on your property, access to emergency power, backup heating sources and other actions to reduce losses in the event of a storm.
• Promote safe driving skills— Presentations, posters and internal communications are great ways to remind employees about driving techniques for wet or icy roads.
• Eliminate the potential for slips and falls—Check outdoor and indoor walkways for any slip and fall hazards that could easily be exaggerated with snow and ice.

“There is nothing you can do to prevent winter from heading your way,” concludes Readout. “But there are a number of things you can do to prevent winter workplace accidents from heading in your direction.”