Tips for Working in the Colorado Cold: Avoiding Workers Compensation in Denver
This year, Denver has had its fair share of cold weather and snow and it’s important to come to work prepared to ensure your health and safety. As we’ve seen across the entire country and not just Colorado, days in the mid sixties can fall more than thirty degrees in less than twenty-four hours. According to the National Weather Service, the long-range weather forecast predicts chillier temperatures than average in February in the Denver area and all along the Front Range. When it comes to worker’s compensation in Denver, cold weather can present a danger to a worker’s well being; especially to those who work outdoors or in conditions that are without heat or poorly insulated.
Did you know that workers who are exposed to extreme cold or cold environment could be at risk for cold stress? As temperatures drop, so does your body temperature. When wind speed increases, your body can’t keep in heat and leaves your body quicker than usual. This can leave a worker susceptible to cold-related illnesses and injuries. These include trench foot, hypothermia, cold-water immersion, frostbite, and chilblains. These tips can help employers and workers avoid the dangers of cold stress:
Tips for Employers
Make sure that repair jobs and maintenance are routinely scheduled during the warmer months of the year.
Save cold jobs for the warmest part of the day.
Reduce the physical demands of workers.
For long and demanding jobs, use extra or relief workers.
Provide warm liquids to workers.
Provide warm areas for use during break periods.
Monitor employees who could be at risk of cold stress.
Provide training to combat cold stress
Tips for Workers
When possible, workers should try to avoid exposure to any extreme cold weather.
Wear weather appropriate clothing.
Wearing a couple layers of loose clothing provides good insulation. When tight clothing is worn, it may reduce blood circulation which is needed to keep you warm.Wear clothes that don’t restrict any movement. This could lead to a dangerous or hazardous situation while on the job.
Pay special attention to protect your face, ears, hands and feet when working in extreme cold weather.
Make sure to wear boots that are well insulated and waterproof
Wear a hat to help keep the rest of your body warm.
Limit your time working outside in extreme weather and take your breaks in a warm place.
Come to work well equiped with extra cold weather gear - socks, hats, gloves, blankets, and a thermos of hot liquid is recommended. If any clothing gets wet, it can make conditions unbearable. It’s best to come prepared.
Consider bringing a first aid kit that include both a thermometer and chemical hot packs.
Try to avoid touching any metal with your bare skin
Stay in tune with your body and physical condition as well as your coworkers.
If you were forced to work in extreme cold temperatures, you may need to look for a Denver worker’s compensation attorney. Call Mark A. Simon, attorney at law, today for a free consultation.