So much can happen during the long, cold winter months. And much can be done in preparation to prevent injuries or accidents. One of the most obvious hazards of winter is the cold. Hypothermia and frostbite can occur more quickly than most people realize — and it can be deadly.
According to the Mayo Clinic, hypothermia is defined as:
“…A medical emergency that occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, causing a dangerously low body temperature. Normal body temperature is around 98.6 F (37 C). Hypothermia occurs as your body temperature passes below 95 F (35 C).
“When your body temperature drops, your heart, nervous system and other organs can’t work correctly. Left untreated, hypothermia can eventually lead to complete failure of your heart and respiratory system and to death.
“Hypothermia is most often caused by exposure to cold weather or immersion in a cold body of water. Primary treatments for hypothermia are methods to warm the body back to a normal temperature.”
More details from the Mayo Clinic are available at:
— http://www.mayoclinic.com/ health/hypothermia/DS00333
— http://www.mayoclinic.com/ health/hypothermia/DS00333 /DSECTION=symptoms
Airman-to-Airman Safety Advisory Council member Airman 1st Class Amanda Van Speybroeck is all too familiar with hypothermia; she lost her mother to it. You can find her story at http://www.afsec.af.mil/news/video/index.asp
Snow and ice create hazards for your duty location just as much as at home. Shoveling snow properly can prevent back injuries and keeping walkways clear of snow and ice prevents many slip and fall injuries.
All snow and weather-related requirements are explained in Air Force Instruction 91-203. Two sections that apply to most workplaces are:
• 5.10. Snow and Ice. Snow and ice shall be removed from all walkways, sidewalks and work areas expediently where they may create a hazard or interfere with the work. If ice cannot be readily removed, sand or other approved materials shall be applied. Snow and icicles above walkways shall be removed.
• 7.2.2.3. Walkways. Exterior walkways shall be kept clear of obstacles that block the right-of-way or present slipping and tripping hazards. Facility managers shall ensure removal of accumulated snow or ice. Abrasive materials, salt or other snow melting material shall be used on walking surfaces when it is impractical or impossible to remove snow and/or ice.
More information on winter weather and hypothermia can be found at:
— http://www.nlm.nih.gov/ medlineplus/hypothermia.html
— https://www.osha.gov/dts/ weather/winter_storm/preparedness.html
— http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather
— http://www.safetytoolboxtopics .com/Slips-Trips-and-Falls/slips-trip-and-falls-winter-safety-tips.html
(Written by Steve Serrette, 72nd Air Base Wing Safety Office)