LegalView Stresses Winter & Cold Safety Tips in Newest Construction Blog
January 01, 2010 (PRLEAP.COM) Business News
DENVER - LegalView.info, the No. 1 source for legal information on the Web, announced the publication of its latest construction accident blog post stressing winter safety regulations. The post, viewable at http://construction-accident-lawyer.legalview.info/blog/ outlines safety guidelines published by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).Winter months bring snow and ice, which can lead to an increased risk of slips and falls on the job site. Construction workers must adhere to codes and regulations to remain safe on the job, however during the winter months, prolonged exposure to the cold can prove to be just as dangerous as other environmental hazards such as ice and snow. Professionals who work outdoors must be mindful of colder weather and take extra precautions to prevent weather-related injuries, including frostbit and hypothermia.
Frostbite is a serious health condition that can result when exposed skin freezes. Although frostbite usually occurs in freezing temperatures, wind chill factors can cause frostbite to occur even if the temperature is above freezing. Affected areas usually involve the hands, feet and parts of the face, including the chin, cheeks and nose.
Hypothermia occurs when a person's body heat is lost faster than it can be replaced, which results in a dangerous core body temperature. Older people who are unable to generate body heat as quickly and those taking certain medications like anti-depressants and sedatives are more at risk of developing hypothermia. Symptoms include confusion, disorientation, slurred speech and shivering.
OSHA requires employers to be mindful of these environmental hazards to protect employees. However if such an event were to occur, many individuals choose to pursue an often lengthy potential construction accident lawsuit with an experienced construction accident lawyer to ensure monetary compensation is received.
Employers and workers should be aware of the weather conditions that may result in serious health problems as well as recognize the symptoms of hypothermia, frostbite and other weather-related ailments. OSHA recommends the following tips to maintain worker safety:
- Recognize potentially hazardous work and environment conditions in order to improve them.
- Identify symptoms of weather-related illnesses and perform emergency care if necessary.
- Ensure proper employee training about working in colder weather and freezing conditions.
- Enact the buddy system to make sure employees watch out for each other.
- Encourage proper clothing and materials at all times.
- Avoid exhaustion as more energy is needed to keep cold muscles warm.
- Double check construction sites are free of snow, ice and other hazards before crews begin working.
Those who have been injured in a construction site accident, including frostbite and hypothermia, can consult with construction accident
attorneys for additional information about their legal rights.
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