For many of us, cold winter temperatures are accompanied by periods of foul weather that can create some special hazards. Even though we're at the end of January, unless the ground hog doesn't see his shadow on Thursday, there's probably still a lot more winter to come.

So it's not too late to have a safety meeting to remind employees about winter weather hazards and precautions. Today, we'll outline some of the issues you might cover in such a meeting.

For those of you in the warmer southern states, keep in mind that this information could apply to some of your employees who may travel north this winter. Some might be traveling on business. Others may be vacationing in the snow. Especially for people not used to dealing with the cold, ice, and snow, winter weather can be a real hazard.

Winter Walking

• Wear appropriate winter weather footwear to prevent slips and falls on slippery outdoor walkways and stairways.
• Slide your feet over icy patches.
• If you slip and start to fall, limit your injuries by bending your elbows and knees and using your legs and arms to absorb the fall. Or roll into the fall, if that's appropriate.

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Winter Driving

• Leave plenty of extra time to get where you're going when winter weather makes driving conditions hazardous.
• Clear snow and ice off your windshield, windows, hood, roof, and lights, and away from the exhaust pipe before starting the vehicle.
• Check to make sure you have plenty of windshield washing fluid.
• Give windows a chance to defrost before heading out.
• Drive slowly on icy roads, leaving extra distance between you and the car in front (at least 4 seconds).
• Know how to respond to a skid (take your foot off the accelerator, keep your foot off the brake, and slowly turn the steering wheel in the direction the rear end of the vehicle is headed).

Winter Clothing

• Dress in layers of loose, dry clothes—cotton, silk, or wool.
• Wear an outer layer that is waterproof and wind resistant.
• Cover hands, feet, and head. Cover your face, too, in very cold conditions, especially if it's windy.

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Snow and Ice Removal

• Don't overexert, especially if you seldom do physical work or exercise.
• Bend your knees to fill your shovel and lift with your legs, not your back.
• If the snow is heavy, take only a little with each shovel load.
• Handle powered snow removal equipment with special care and follow all safety instructions.

Home Heating

• Make sure that all home heating sources are functioning properly.
• Have heating equipment inspected every year, and inspect and clean chimneys and stovepipes regularly.
• Keep a metal screen in front of the fireplace.

Tomorrow, winter weather health hazards and how to prevent cold-related illness.