OSHA Advises New York and New England Employers to Use Safety Precautions and Procedures While Cleaning up After the Blizzard
This weekend’s past blizzard is the first of possibly more snow storms. OSHA advises employers, employees and the public of the dangers that can result from snow removal. Recovery from a large storm requires many risky tasks that need to be performed correctly and properly. The Dept. of Labor lists a few of the possible dangers and procedures you can take to reduce hazards.
The most frequent dangers:
-Electrocution from collapsed power lines or ungrounded electric machinery
-Falling from cleaning roofs, working on ladders or lifts
-Getting crushed/stuck by a tree, branch, or other things that can fall from the weight of the snow
-Carbon monoxide leaks from gas powered generators can be fatal if used in an unventilated area
-Unsupervised power tools can result in serious injury
-Black ice, slippery surfaces
-Car accidents
-Frostbite and hypothermia from prolonged exposure to the freezing temperature
Procedures to minimize risks:
-Keep a distance from power lines and utility companies must coordinate
-Ground all electrical machinery
-Use fall protection and use ladders and equipment properly
-Be cautious when in close proximity to objects covered in snow
-When cleaning or maintaining anything, make sure all electric equipment is disconnected or guarded
-Wear protective gear
-Clear snow and use salt for snowy and icy walking surfaces
-Mark working zones
-Use reflective clothing
-Minimize exposure to the cold by wearing protective equipment, use safe procedures, and use engineering controls
Following this advice and reducing hazards to protect your employees and business will also save you much trouble with NY business insurance, general liability insurance, workers compensation, etc in the New York: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens, Bronx, Long Island, Westchester, or Rockland County and in New Jersey.
This weekend’s past blizzard is the first of possibly more snow storms. OSHA advises employers, employees and the public of the dangers that can result from snow removal. Recovery from a large storm requires many risky tasks that need to be performed correctly and properly. The Dept. of Labor lists a few of the possible dangers and procedures you can take to reduce hazards.
The most frequent dangers:
-Electrocution from collapsed power lines or ungrounded electric machinery
-Falling from cleaning roofs, working on ladders or lifts
-Getting crushed/stuck by a tree, branch, or other things that can fall from the weight of the snow
-Carbon monoxide leaks from gas powered generators can be fatal if used in an unventilated area
-Unsupervised power tools can result in serious injury
-Black ice, slippery surfaces
-Car accidents
-Frostbite and hypothermia from prolonged exposure to the freezing temperature
Procedures to minimize risks:
-Keep a distance from power lines and utility companies must coordinate
-Ground all electrical machinery
-Use fall protection and use ladders and equipment properly
-Be cautious when in close proximity to objects covered in snow
-When cleaning or maintaining anything, make sure all electric equipment is disconnected or guarded
-Wear protective gear
-Clear snow and use salt for snowy and icy walking surfaces
-Mark working zones
-Use reflective clothing
-Minimize exposure to the cold by wearing protective equipment, use safe procedures, and use engineering controls
Following this advice and reducing hazards to protect your employees and business will also save you much trouble with NY business insurance, general liability insurance, workers compensation, etc in the New York: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens, Bronx, Long Island, Westchester, or Rockland County and in New Jersey.