1. Winter Safety Brought to you by: OESD 114
Safety & Health Specialist: Colleen Kragen
Last Revision: September, 2018

2. Work vehicles, buses, and personal vehicles
Vehicle Safety
Work vehicles, buses, and personal vehicles

3. Hazardous Driving Conditions
From Dusk to Dawn – shorter days
Snow and Ice
Heavy rains
Thick fog

4. Dangers of Low Light
Driving between dusk and dawn adds risk because it is harder to see objects that are not lit up.
“At night, there is little light available to bounce off of objects. Typical nighttime light sources (headlights or street lights) rarely contain high-energy light, the type that makes fluorescent objects so bright in daylight” (Scientific American 2016).

5. Heavy Rains
We all know rain makes the roads slicker and can cause tires to lose traction, but heavy rain also reduces how far you can see ahead, can cause unexpected flooding and hydroplaning, and loss of control over the vehicle.

6. Snow & Ice
In our region it will often warm up enough during the day to melt snow and ice and then when temperatures drop at night the wet roads freeze creating even more dangerous black ice. Snow and ice are extremely high risk because even the best and most prepared drivers can be caught by surprise.

7. Thick Fog
Fog in coastal and mountainous areas like the Olympic region can move in quickly reducing visibility dramatically. Fog alone can be a major hazard, but combined with other winter weather like heavy rain or snow it can be deadly.

8. Preparedness & Preventing Accidents
Vehicle Checks
Adjust Your Driving
Vehicle Emergency Kits

9. Vehicle Checks
Take your vehicle in for a maintenance check in September.
All weather tires with good traction
Brakes and rotors are in good shape
Replace windshield wipers
Check that all your lights work – head, fog, brights, turn signals, and daytime running lights

10. Adjust Your Driving
You can’t control the people around you, but you can give yourself a buffer with more space.
Slow your speed
Give extra space to the vehicle in front of you
Allow people extra room to merge or change lanes
Give yourself more time to slow down gently and stop

11. Vehicle Emergency Kits
First Aid – have some basic supplies on hand, you can purchase a pre- made kit online or buy specific items yourself.
Overnight Bag – in the event of an emergency or disaster you may be stuck somewhere longer than you anticipated, whether or not it’s all night the items you would back for an overnight bag can cover most unexpected waits.
Maintenance Kit – a set of flares or LED warning lights if you have to pull over to the side of the road, jumper cables, snow chains, spare tire, jack, lug wrench, crowbar, and the vehicle owner’s manual.
Extras – flashlight or headlamp, emergency blanket, fire extinguisher, raincoat or poncho, water bottles, towel, snacks, and baby wipes.

12. Slips-Trips-Falls & Outer Wear
Walking Outdoors
Slips-Trips-Falls & Outer Wear

13. Slips Trips & Falls OESD from September 2013-2018
Per L&I slips-trips-falls are typically in the top 5 most common injury types regardless of industry or year.
Over the last 5 years OESD 114 has averaged 85.6 per year.

14. Hazards Identified Slippery walkways – rain, ice, or snow
OUTDOOR RISKS IN WINTER
Slippery walkways – rain, ice, or snow
Low visibility – shorter days and more hours of dark or dusk
Reduced peripheral vision – umbrellas, raincoat hoods, and hats can limit our range of vision

15. Situational Awareness
Check weather reports in the mornings
Check outside before leaving

16. Dress for the Weather
Non-skid soles on your shoes make a huge difference.
Waterproof outer-wear is important to keeping you dry and warm, this will prevent illness and discomfort.
Keep a set of dry clothes, or extra weather gear in the car or office for just in case.

17. Levels of Cold

18. Electrical Standards & Decorating with Ladders
Holiday Season Safety
Electrical Standards &
Decorating with Ladders

19. Space Heaters Congress Office of Compliance: Must be UL certified
Have an automatic safety switch that turns off the heater if it tips over
Must have a thermostatic control which ensures that the unit will turn itself off and prevent overheating
Kept away from water or wet environments
Check with facilities department before purchasing

20. Decorative Lights WAC 296-800-28030
Temporary lights of 600v are not used for more than 90 days, and must be UL certified, including decorative Christmas lighting.
Extension cords are only for temporary use and not to be run through walls, windows, doorways, ceilings, floors, or similar holes.

21. Often Mistaken for a Ladder ...

22. Don’t be that Person

23. Using the Right Tool for the Job
This man is using the ladder safely, it is leaned up on an even surface, he is not too high up on the rungs. He has a tool apron to help him carry items, freeing his hands.
Stepladders like these are perfect for classrooms.

24. Ladder Safety Training
Full ladders (over 5’) require safety training to use.
If an employee would like things hung up that require a full ladder and they don’t have training, fill out a work order or request assistance from someone that has the training.
SafeSchools offers a ladder safety course.

25. Full Ladder Use
Proper Angle for a Ladder
Always use a Safety Watch

26. At the end of the day ... We want you to go home safe and enjoy life!
MM.DD.20XX

27. THANK YOU!
From OESD 114