Winter Doesn’t Skip the South: What Employers Need to Know

Person resting on a snowy tropical beach

As I sit here buried in snow, I wonder if milder winters in the south would provide comfort and safety. But rapidly changing weather conditions and dramatic temperature swings can be equally hazardous for southern workplaces. 

Hazards:

According to the Florida Climate Center, “cold air outbreaks can produce below-freezing temperatures and are usually accompanied by strong winds that can produce bitterly cold wind chills.”  Outdoor activities can quickly become dangerous.

Heavy winter fog is not unusual when moist, warmer air blows from bodies of water and settles over chilled land. Visibility is lowered and driving can be hazardous along the coastlines and shorelines.

Broad temperature changes of 20 to 30 degrees throughout the day, make it more difficult to dress appropriately. 

Equipment malfunctions can be caused by frost, freezing rain, or temperature changes making operation difficult and hazardous. 

In humid environments, dropping temperatures can mean icy patches that are difficult to see causing walking and driving hazards. 

Because winter storms are infrequent, infrastructure and emergency services may be inadequate for rapid response to changing conditions.  Employers and employees may have little experience driving and working in winter conditions, leading to accidents and injuries. 

Solutions:

Developing an emergency plan is key to successful navigation of weather events. Even warm locations should prepare for cold conditions especially when accompanied by moisture and wind. Assess the potential risks for your area including facilities management, travel routes, work conditions, and equipment operations. Plans may include altering work schedules, limiting outdoor exposure, preparing surfaces, and protecting equipment. Plan communication strategies with leadership and employees including backup plans if normal communication lines fail. Develop response protocols for hypothermia, frostbite, and cold stress.

Monitoring local and national weather forecasts helps you prepare for the days ahead. However, with rapidly changing conditions possible, it is best to assign a competent person to monitor the weather throughout the workday and report hazardous changes to leadership. Implement your response plan when hazardous conditions are predicted.

Look at more than just the temperature. Cold stress, hypothermia and frostbite can occur at temperatures as high as 60 degrees F. The National Weather Service has a useful  Wind Chill Calculator. A Cold Stress Calculator is available online and for smartphones from the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW). 

Provide training to all employees on winter safety including safe driving, slip and fall hazards, and cold weather equipment checks. Employees should know the signs and symptoms of Cold Stress, hypothermia, and frostbite and be able to respond appropriately.

If outdoor work or travel is unavoidable, ensure that your employees are well prepared with warm clothing for cold exposure, layered clothing for changing temperatures, and a change of clothing for humid or wet environments. Don’t forget hats and gloves. Non-slip footwear is essential for wet and icy conditions. Check out MEMIC’s Discounted Safety Footwear Program.

Don’t let winter fool you. Even areas known for warm, mild weather can experience dangerous cold, ice, and snow which create significant risks to workplace operations and employee safety. Policyholders can visit MEMIC’s safety director for more resources or speak to your safety management consultant. 

Resources:

MEMIC Resources: