The winter brings extremely cold temperatures and dangerous weather conditions, especially if you live in Minnesota. There are many careers in which employees have to work in these conditions, including landscaping, construction and even health care. It is important for you to stay safe when working outdoors.
Wear the right clothes
When outdoors in the cold, keep yourself as warm as possible. Bring a change of clothes in your car if you are to get wet. Be sure to wear clothes that will keep you warm such as:
- Waterproof boots
- Gloves and thick socks
- Jackets
- Hand and foot warmers
- Winter hats or insulation under hard hats
Rest when necessary
You can better avoid situations that lead to injury and workers’ compensation claims by taking ample breaks when in the cold as well. Schedule breaks for the coldest parts of the day and work when it is warm if possible.
Eat warm foods
Chances are that one of your breaks is for lunch. During this lunch period, eat foods that are warm to keep your body temperature up. Consider soups and warm drinks, but coffee should only be in moderation.
Prepare for hazards
Many hazards exist when working in cold weather, and if you do not prepare, you could get sick or injured on the job. Make sure a coworker has first-aid or CPR training if you were to develop hypothermia or frostbite, for instance. Use tools that are ergonomically made to avoid injuries, and be sure to remove ice wherever possible to prevent falls.
When you take these steps, you avoid the injuries that come from falls and come from extremely cold temperatures. This helps you to avoid pricey hospital bills and the stressful process that comes with filing a workers’ compensation claim at your place of business.
If you do fall victim to injury or illness while working in cold conditions, you may want to contact an attorney to help with your workers’ compensation claim. An experienced attorney may be able to help you get the finances you deserve.