Utilities Section
Newsletter League of Nebraska Municipalities
September 2024
Cold weather safety for utility workers: Essential tips for the winter months By Jackson Sash, Utilities Field Rep./Training Coordinator As winter approaches, utility workers across various fields – whether maintaining electrical lines, managing water and wastewater systems, or working in landfill operations – must prepare for the unique challenges that cold weather presents. Cold stress can significantly impact not only personal health but also the efficiency and safety of operations. With icy winds, snow, freezing temperatures, and wet conditions, the risks associated with winter work are heightened, making it essential for workers to be informed and prepared. Cold stress is a serious concern when the body cannot maintain its normal temperature due to exposure to freezing or wet conditions. This can lead to several dangerous conditions, such as hypothermia, frostbite, and trench foot. Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature drops below the level necessary for basic bodily functions. Symptoms can include shivering, fatigue, confusion, loss of coordination, and, in severe cases, unconsciousness. Frostbite typically affects extremities such as the fingers, toes, nose, and ears, leading to numbness, tingling, and severe tissue damage if not promptly treated. Trench foot, a condition resulting from 206 S 13th Street, Suite 800 Lincoln, NE 68508 (402) 476-2829 Fax (402) 476-7052
prolonged exposure to wet and cold environments, can cause pain, swelling, and even permanent damage to nerves and tissues. These health risks can easily escalate if not identified and addressed early. The first line of defense against cold stress is proper clothing. Dressing in layers is one of the most effective strategies to stay warm in fluctuating temperatures. Layers trap heat while allowing for easy removal or addition of clothing as conditions change. The innermost layer should be moisture-wicking to keep sweat away from the skin, preventing chills. The middle layer serves as insulation, trapping warm air close to the body. Finally, the outer layer should be both windproof and waterproof to protect against wind chill and moisture, whether from precipitation or water-based work environments. Specialized gloves, boots, and hats designed for cold weather are essential to protect extremities. Waterproof and insulated footwear is particularly important to avoid wet, cold feet that can lead to frostbite or trench foot, while insulated gloves help maintain hand dexterity and warmth, essential for handling tools and equipment.
However, clothing alone is not enough to safeguard against the challenges of winter work. The cold also affects the tools and equipment utility workers rely on. In freezing conditions, tools can become brittle, machinery may malfunction, and equipment that functions well in milder weather can become hazardous to use. Cold also can reduce the effectiveness of lubricants and fuels, leading to slower or inefficient operation of essential machines. It is important that equipment is regularly inspected and properly maintained to ensure it functions safely during cold weather. Workers also should be mindful of their own decreased dexterity when using tools and operating machinery, taking extra care to avoid accidents caused by stiff hands or numb fingers. Work practices also must be adjusted to account for the harsh winter conditions. Scheduling regular breaks in heated areas allows workers to warm up, recover from exposure, and prevent the onset of cold stress. These breaks Continued on page 2 Lash Chaffin Utilities Section Director Jackson Sash Utilities Field Representative