Stay Safe in Cold Weather

While it may feel like the worst of the winter is behind us, there is still the opportunity for cold and hospitable weather conditions ahead. For those working in potentially hazardous environments, this means extra care and attention should be paid to safety measures, and forklift use is absolutely no exception.

Contrary to what you might think, unless the forklift is being operated outdoors or is one not designed for the conditions (electric vehicles are best), then an icy floor is rarely an issue in cold weather. Traction in cold stores is unaffected by below-freezing temperatures, as these areas are designed to be safe to work in when the temperatures are low.

The main concerns are for the health of the operator, and in this respect there are a number of steps to follow in order to ensure maximum safety in cold weather environments…

Clothing

It may sound like an obvious place to start, but making sure you or your employees are correctly attired is crucial for colder temperatures. All boots and gloves must be waterproof, provide sufficient grip and ideally be insulated to reduce the risk of things like frostbite. This is an ailment that sometimes causes severe damage to the skin and nerves in the extremities, such as fingers, ears, noses, and toes, and occurs in temperatures below -1 Celsius. In extreme cases, it can lead to amputation or, at the very least, a lot of pain, so keeping these parts of the body covered at all times is imperative to safety.

Layering is the key to keeping warm, so multiple insulating items of clothing is the way to go. In the event of wet weather, a spare set of dry clothes should be available at all times, and the symptoms of trench foot should be watched for – tickling sensation, swelling, numbing.

Operation Limitations

Forklifts that are specially designed to work in cold stores and similar environments will often have an enclosed and heated cab to ensure that the operator is kept at an agreeable temperature while working, but this shouldn’t be the only method used to prevent cold-related injuries or illnesses. Having drivers work in tandem on 1 or 2 hour shifts, especially those working outside on exposed pallet trucks and similar, will help to ward off hazards caused by long exposure to cold temperatures, such as hypothermia or frostbite.

Working in this manner will allow for regular breaks in a warm environment to bring the body temperature back up, while also meaning employees can monitor colleagues to keep an eye out for the symptoms of cold weather illnesses.

Other Considerations

Lighting – in the winter months, the sun sets long before the end of the working day. It is vital that all exterior areas and loading bays are adequately lit to promote safe forklift use, reducing the risk of accident both for operators and pedestrians.

Reacting to Illness/Injury:

As an employer, you are responsible for the well-being of your staff, and knowing how to spot the signs of any injury or illness caused by cold weather, as well as how to act upon discovering them, is crucial.

Frostbite

Visible blistering of the extremities, coupled with a numbing or pricking sensation could indicate the onset of frostbite. Move the employee to a warm area, and cover the affected area to raise the temperature. Do not allow the frostbitten area to become cold again until medical assistance has been sought.

Hypothermia

Understanding the difference between shivering caused by a bit of a chill and that caused by hypothermia is important. If the shivering is severe, and is twinned with disorientation or confusion, a blue tone to the skin or slow breathing and heart rate, then take the employee into a warm environment and call for medical help straight away. Remove any wet or damp clothing, and slowly begin to warm them with extra layers or hot drinks. Warming them too quickly could cause the body to go into shock.

Trench Foot

If the feet have been in contact with cold water for long periods, they may begin to swell, itch, or become numb. In the event of this, immerse the foot in warm water, dry and then wrap in bandages after calling the emergency services.