WINTER HAZARDS Minnesota Statistics Last winter two people

WINTER HAZARDS

Minnesota Statistics + Last winter, two people died after falling through the ice + Over the last 10 years, 43 people drowned after breaking through thin ice + Sixty-five percent of all ice drownings are vehicle related + Last winter, 10 people died in snowmobile accidents + Last winter, 70 percent of snowmobile deaths were alcohol or drug related Source MN Dept of Public Safety

Preparing for Winter Conditions + + + + Working Outdoors PPE Tools and Equipment On the Road Medical Issues Heat and Power Sources Hazards

Working Outdoors + + + Don appropriate winter PPE Wear appropriate clothing for conditions Wear loose fitting, layered warm clothing with a hat and gloves Keep fresh water and first-aid items on hand Be aware of potential fire and carbon monoxide hazards if a portable heat source is used

Working Outdoors + Keep your clothes and socks dry + Use ice-melt or sand on walking surfaces in active work areas + Keep doorways free of snow and ice hanging from above or blocking from opening + Be familiar with the effects of wind chill + Take breaks to rehydrate and warm-up

Work Smart + Warm up muscles before shoveling by walking a few minutes and then stretch your arms and legs + Don’t overload the shovel – bend at your knees, stand up, and then pivot + DON’T lift, twist, and throw in 1 motion

Tools and Equipment + Store tools in a warm, clean location + Choose the right tools for the conditions + Remember, a layer of ice will make anything heavier

On The Road + + Ensure vehicles and equipment are winterized by late fall Keep fuel tanks near full Keep the vehicle equipped with emergency supplies Use extreme caution while driving, especially at intersections

Travel Emergency Tips + Stay in your car or truck – do not use radio or lights unless engine is running + Run the engine at 10 minute intervals for heat + Maintain proper ventilation by making sure the exhaust pipe is not plugged and leave the windows open slightly to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning + Make yourself visible to rescuers – tie a bright cloth to your antenna or door handle

Medical Issues + Recognize & treat hypothermia properly • Inability to concentrate • Poor coordination • Slurred speech • Drowsiness • Exhaustion • Uncontrollable shivering, followed by a sudden lack of shivering • If hypothermia is suspected, seek medical attention immediately

Medical Issues + Recognize & treat frostbite properly • First, the skin may feel numb and become flushed, and then it turns white or grayish-yellow – frostbitten skin feels cold to the touch • If frostbite is suspected, move the victim to a warm area, then cover the affected area with something warm and dry – never rub it or plunge into hot water! • Finally, get to a doctor or hospital as quickly as possible

Heat and Power Sources + Wood Stoves + Electric Space Heaters + Kerosene Heaters + Wood Burning Fireplaces + Portable Generators

Know the Hazards + Carbon Monoxide + Electrical Hazards + Fire Hazards

Summary + Winter can be safe as long as we keep the needed supplies on hand + Outside activities are safe as long as we dress properly including good traction shoes as long as we don’t over do it – seek medical attention if needed + Remember to keep your automobiles and equipment in good working condition and supplied with necessary items