Staying safe isn’t just about clearing snow or removing ice—what happens inside a building is just as important
Last year, we published a list of winter safety tips that included a dozen suggestions about staying warm when outside, clearing snow and ice, and making sure all vehicles have emergency kits. While those are all still excellent tips, we want to share some more suggestions which include encompassing the need to focus on indoor safety as well as the weather. With that in mind, here are some tips for playing it safe:
Implement a Filter Replacement Schedule
Air quality is always important, but right now, it’s more crucial than ever. Winter means spaces are more “sealed up” since windows and doors remain closed, and that makes a workforce more vulnerable not just to COVID, but all the usual colds and flu viruses going around. Practice better winter safety by replacing filters in the HVAC system more regularly and using higher-grade filters if possible. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends having more regular inspections and maintenance of HVAC systems as well.
Conduct a Hazard Assessment
Part of a facilities management check of your systems should also include a hazard assessment, as suggested by the CDC. Some hazards may be related to winter weather, such as steeper outdoor stairways that may need to be closed for the season, but an assessment will also look at previous trends in injuries and illnesses to identify locations from past incidents. These workplace inspections can be crucial for preventing issues throughout the winter months, but they shouldn’t be a one-time-only event. Regular inspections as the winter progresses can help you see red flags before they become major issues.
More Cleaning and Disinfection
Every employer that has brought at least part of its workforce back into a shared space knows the importance of cleaning and disinfection, and this winter is no exception. Even with a vaccine rollout in progress, that doesn’t mean it’s time to relax those higher standards for cleanliness. In fact, you may want to get even more focused on it, especially if more of your workforce are planning on returning later in the winter.
Check In with Employees
Although you’ve likely been gauging employee stress levels for nearly a year at this point, many experts believe that this coming winter could be the peak of “COVID fatigue.” Anxiety and depression are already at much higher levels than the same time last year, and most people are feeling at least some degree of emotional exhaustion. That type of prolonged stress can be a health and safety concern just as much as ice buildup on your front walkway. Consider implementing new strategies during the winter that bolster employees’ mental health. For example, at UG2, we’ve put several programs into place, including a daily focus on gratitude. Programs like this one help to keep stress in perspective.
Clear Snow and Ice
Even though the focus during the pandemic will be on maintaining health, the usual winter safety tactics should still apply. Keep walkways and steps cleared and salted to prevent falls, make sure all outdoor equipment like ladders or scaffolds have been de-iced before use, and have shovels available near entrances for more efficient snow clearing.
With both indoor and outdoor strategies, preparation is key. Pay attention to weather shifts, public health and CDC recommendations, while also giving those in your workplace a greater sense of responsibility for health and safety. What we’ve all learned from the pandemic is the value of community and how powerful it can be when we work together. Make this winter a healthy and safe one by getting everyone involved.