The winter months pose a few hazards you won’t find during the summer. If you’re an employer, it’s up to you to make sure your employees are safe while they are at work. Some precautions are much easier to take than others but making every possible effort you can to keep your employees safe and on the job will keep your company up and running.
Closely Monitor Winter Storms
If you know that there will be a potential winter storm, monitor the weather as often as you can. Send your workers home if they can perform their tasks virtually. Give those who need to stay at the office enough time to get home safely if the weather starts to get bad. If your business needs someone there, bring in enough supplies so that your employees who are staying will have everything they need to stay comfortable. You may even want to provide them with a small bonus for going the extra mile.
Safeguard Employees Who Work Outdoors
If you have employees who work outdoors, make sure they have the necessary gear to stay warm. Hand warmers, heavy gloves, warm hats, and heated socks are more cost-effective when you buy them in bulk. Make sure your employees have the gear they need to be comfortable while they are doing their jobs.
Weatherproof Offices and Worksites
Salt the sidewalks and make sure absorbent mats are inside all the doors to catch any dripping snow or ice that you bring in on your shoes. Perform maintenance checks on your HVAC and other systems. Make sure your parking lot and walkways are well-lit and free of snow and ice. Make sure your employees have slip-resistant footwear. Make sure you are always in compliance with OSHA guidelines.
Continue to Go Over Plans with Employees
Perform a risk assessment and create an action plan for each potential winter hazard. Work on an emergency response plan that will provide safety measures for each type of risk. Go over all of your plans regularly to ensure every employee knows what they are supposed to be doing. Make sure to keep an updated contact list that includes information on each employee as well as EMS, fire department, and police stations.
Encourage Safety for Remote Workers
Remote workers need to be safe and secure as well. Check on them often to make sure they have what they need to be safe. Even though they may work from home or a satellite office, they still need to be kept safe like all the other employees.
Look for Other Possible Threats
Winter weather is one of many perils your employees will face when the temps start to fall. If the weather gets too bad, the schools may close, and travel will be restricted. If your employee gets sick, they may need medical attention. If they work from home, you need to make sure they are taking care of themselves and are in good health.
Encourage Feedback from Employees
Talk to your employees. Find out what their concerns are and what you can do to alleviate them. How can you be more proactive when it comes to meeting their safety needs? Ask questions and meet with them regularly. They may have a few good ideas!
Cover Your Employees This Winter with Premier Risk, LLC!
Taking care of your employees in the wintertime may prevent accidents that could lead to a Workers’ comp claim. Contact the agents at Premier Risk, LLC today to learn more about the insurance policies that can help your employees and business. We have answers you can rely on!
