By A. Scott Hecker, Adam R. Younger, Patrick D. Joyce, James L. Curtis, and Craig B. Simonsen
Seyfarth Synopsis: On its web site, OSHA is highlighting the hazards of working in winter climate and offering assets for employers to assist defend their staff.
Employers should keep in mind that weather-based hazards exist not solely within the warmth and humidity of summer season, but additionally within the useless of winter. OSHA has reminded employers of their duties to plan, equip, and prepare their staff for jobs impacted by winter climate in an effort to “[p]revent accidents, diseases, and fatalities throughout winter storms.” The U.S. has already skilled important winter climate occasions throughout 2022-2023, with a lot of the nation having been impacted by heavy snowfalls, icy circumstances, arctic chilly, and/or brutal winds. Certainly, it appears cases of utmost climate proceed to extend with every passing season. However – notably with the 2022 vacation season within the overview mirror – staff proceed to carry out their jobs in tough circumstances.
To that finish, OSHA offers data on hazards – past chilly stress – related to working in winter, together with:
Employers also needs to think about applicable winter clothes and private protecting gear (PPE) to guard staff from chilly climate hazards and guarantee solely applicable gear is utilized in wintry environments.
For extra data on this or any associated matter please contact the authors, your Seyfarth legal professional, or any member of the Office Security and Well being (OSHA/MSHA) Group.
