January 2014 
 
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Winter Snow Hazards: How to Handle Them

As we experience the cold, ice, snow and winds of the winter months there are some very serious snow and ice removal precautions that everyone should be aware of - especially if snow and ice removal involves roofs and other elevated structures.

 

Every year, a number of people are killed or seriously injured while performing snow or ice removal from rooftops and other building structures. According to OSHA, snow removal is performed for a number of reasons, such as preventing overloading and roof collapses. Often, people climb directly onto the roofs or elevated structures and use equipment such as shovels, snow rakes, snow blowers, ladders, etc. to remove excess snow/ice accumulation without regard to knowing if the roof structure is safe to be on. Before stepping onto a roof or other elevated surface, some things to consider are:

  • What are the maximum load limits of the roof?
  • Is there an unbalanced roof load?
  • How does the maximum roof load limit compare with estimated total weight of the amount of snow, removal equipment, and personnel performing the removal?
  • Are there hidden hazards i.e., skylights, roof drains, or vents that someone could fall through if hidden by snow?

Snow removal operations are often performed under extreme weather conditions (e.g., cold, high winds, and icy surfaces). Based on the findings of OSHA investigations, falls are the main cause for most work related fatalities and injuries during rooftop snow removal. Workers also fall off roof edges, through skylights, and from ladders and aerial lifts, and may also be injured or killed by a roof collapse.

 

OSHA recommends: Have a plan ahead of inclement weather for snow removal. This plan should consider things such as:

  • Can snow be removed without workers going onto the roof?
  • How should the snow be removed, based on the building's layout, to prevent unbalanced loading?
  • What tools, equipment, protective devices, clothing and footwear will workers need?
  • What type of fall protection will be used to protect workers on roofs and other elevated surfaces?
  • What training will workers need to work safely?
  • How will mechanized snow removal equipment be safely elevated to the roof?
  • How will you protect people on the ground from snow and ice falling off the roof during snow removal operations?

Employers are required to protect workers from the anticipated hazards associated with the winter storm response and recovery operations that personnel are likely to conduct. A solid plan for safe snow removal should be completed and all personnel should have knowledge of the plan and be trained in the actual operations.

 

National Weather Service Statistics

Winter storms create a variety of hazards and can have lingering impacts on everyday tasks and work activities. According to the National Weather Service, about 70 percent of injuries during winter storms result from vehicle accidents, and about 25 percent of injuries result from being caught out in the storm. Learning about how to prepare for a winter storm and avoid hazards when one occurs will help keep you safe during the winter season!

 

Notated: "Safety & Health Topics/Hazard Alert" "Winter Storms"

                     Freedom of Information Act - U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health                                             Administration

 

Six New Year's Resolutions for the Business-minded!
  1. Invest in your team. It's not worth the time and money you invest in hiring good people if you aren't going to create an environment in which they can stay and grow.. This year, be sure to invest significant resources in making your employees feel valued and secure. After all, good employees are the core of any good business!
  2. Listen to your gut. Sometimes you just know in your gut that a new opportunity is either going to succeed greatly or fail miserably - and it's okay to yield to those feelings! Almost any executive will tell you about a time when they took a risk based on a gut feeling that lead them to success.
  3. Seek inspiration. There is nothing worse than having a boss or an employee who is totally burnt out on the job. Take the time to enjoy things that mean something to you - explore new art, listen to new music, travel - whatever it takes to reignite your spirit and recharge your batteries!
  4. Figure out what you do well (and then become the best at it). There are usually one or two things every company (or employee) does great, even if they offer five or 10. Those one or two things are the keys to building new relationships and expanding your business, so make sure you aren't just 'good' at them - be the best at them.
  5. Make new connections. I know not everyone gets super excited at the idea of networking, but the benefits of meeting and talking with similar, like-minded people in your industry are immense. These meetings and conversations not only lead to new business, but can also be a great place to get new ideas and inspiration for your work.
  6. Do more good. The world can never have enough good in it, and why shouldn't your company be a part of that? Whether you sponsor volunteer days for your employees or donate money to worthy causes, giving back to your community has positive effects on everyone involved.
Featured Employee

A.C.  

 

A.C. is a polished business professional, articulate and personable with 15 years of experience in administration and administrative management. She is seeking an opportunity for full-time employment within the administrative field. She has worked in medical administrative positions in the past, but is also interested in other fields. She has strong skills in assessing what is needed and recommending sensible solutions. As a leader she has the qualities for creating connections with diverse clients and staff to effectively motivate group and individual initiatives. A.C. has a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration and is currently completing her Masters of Science also in Business Administration. This candidate is someone who will go above and beyond in any position! 

 

Please contact Gail Pohl at [email protected] or 410-296-0655 if you are interested in interviewing this candidate!

 

Please considering forwarding this newsletter to your contacts within the Insurance Industry, too!