• 30
  • January
    2012

Winter snow makes some think of ski vacations, spending time playing outside in the snow and beautiful scenery. For others, winter snow can mean only one thing--work. Winter storms can make the jobs of some people, such as ski resort workers and public utility workers, difficult and sometimes dangerous. For example, in the state of Colorado alone, more than 1,600 public transportation service workers were on the roads in 2011 making sure that the streets stayed safe for drivers, pedestrians and anyone else who depends on roadways to get from one place to the next.

Recognizing how dangerous the work conditions can be, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently released an advisory telling winter storm response and recovery operations employers to protect workers from the workplace injuries to which the snow can contribute. As the report explains, these injuries include back injuries from moving snow, slips and falls, and trauma from injuries sustained by falling objects.

Employers of workers who work in potentially dangerous situations have a duty to ensure the working conditions are as safe as possible. OSHA is a federal agency that is empowered with the ability to set rules and regulations to make sure employers do the right thing to keep employees safe. In addition to these rules, the agency also issues guidelines which give safety suggestions.

Some of the suggestions about snow hazards include staying clear of downed power lines and making sure to take care around structures weighed down by large amounts of snow or ice, including roofs of houses.

Workplace injuries can give rise to worker's compensation claims, through which employees injured on the job recover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration, "OSHA aims to protect workers during winter storms," Dec. 21, 2011