Safety

Ted Clark, CLCS, Loss Control Consultant, Acadia Insurance Quarterly Safety Meeting: Preparing for Winter

As winter inches closer and everyone sets their sites on the most productive time of the year, it’s important to take a step back and consider the unique hazards presented by winter. Frigid temperatures, ice, short days and traffic from snowmobiles all create significant hazards that should be addressed in fall as we lead up to winter. In this safety meeting we will discuss some tips to help prepare for the challenges associated with winter.

Pack a headlamp with you – with days getting shorter, you are bound to spend more time working in the dark. A headlamp can make your job safer and more efficient and it may be a vital tool in the event of a machine breakdown that requires you to walk out of the woods in the dark.

Carry a lighter on you – Maybe it’s the outdoor guide in me but a simple lighter in the pocket is a vital tool that I never leave home without. Whether it’s a simple incident like a mechanical failure on your vehicle during the drive out or something more serious like getting lost walking a track of land, a small fire can provide warmth and comfort until help arrives. A lighter can also help out in the event your lock freezes on your machine.

Pack an extra layer or a blanket – As temperatures start to dip closer to zero, even something simple like a machine breakdown or getting your vehicle stuck can become a life-threatening emergency if you don’t have the ability to keep warm. Something as small as a space blanket thrown in your machine or your vehicle’s glovebox can help save your life if you have to spend some time in the elements.

Check your radios – A couple of years ago I met a loaded truck on a corner, surprising both of us and narrowly missing a collision. Neither of us heard each other on the radio, but we were both calling out. Come to find out the coaxial on my antenna was damaged and I wasn’t projecting my communication. In winter when the roads will be narrow and slippery, it’s a good idea to do a radio check and verify that your antennas and mics are still working properly.

Don’t rely on your radios – Radios are a nice convenience and a great way to communicate, but it’s important to remember that they are not a mandatory requirement. Because of this, there will always be the threat of meeting someone without a radio. This can include a sportsperson hauling a trailer full of snowmobiles and not familiar with the roads. Practice defensive driving, always anticipating meeting someone without a radio.

Clean out your machinery – Fall is generally the last good opportunity to pressure wash your machine without the fear of everything freezing up on it. Take the time to give each machine a thorough cleaning before winter sets in. Make sure that the area around your preheater remains completely free of debris, ensuring no buildup around the exhaust where temperatures are generally extremely hot.

Mark recreational trails Verify the location of recreational trails around your job site AND the access points to your job site and ensure they have adequate signage, giving users of the trail system plenty of notice to slow down and stop before coming onto your jobsites. The local organizations, such as the snowmobile club, are generally happy to help re-route traffic away from your job and will also communicate any trail disruption on their social media page and website. Also notify crews and drivers about the areas where recreational trails may intersect with the operations.

Winter is a major factor in Maine that requires a unique approach to stay safe and productive. Taking some time to consider and prepare for the potential exposure can go a long way to prevent incidents and injuries and it will also ensure operational efficiency is maintained.

Acadia is pleased to share this material for the benefit of its customers. Please note, however, that nothing herein should be construed as either legal advice or the provision of professional consulting services. This material is for informational purposes only, and while reasonable care has been utilized in compiling this information, no warranty or representation is made as to accuracy or completeness.