- Start the New Year by updating your workplace safety plan.
- Clear walking surfaces of dust to prevent slips, trips, and falls.
- Make sure that powered equipment are properly grounded to protect workers from shocks or electrocution.
- Evaluate waste removal tasks for hazards and plan how to do the work safely.
- Inspect company vehicles to make sure they’re in good working condition for driving. Make sure tires are properly inflated and keep the gas tank at least ½ full.
- Recognize and address driving hazards. Always remove dust from windows, mirrors, and lights (harmattan is a difficult weather). Warm-up your vehicle before driving. Increase your following distance from 3-4 seconds to 8-10 seconds on wet roads to leave room in case you need to stop.
- Wear footwear with non-slip or non-skid treads for increased traction.
- Wear brightly colored or reflective clothing to make yourself visible to drivers.
- Don’t overexert yourself in the cold. Frigid temperatures can increase the risk of heart attack — even in otherwise healthy individuals.
- Know the signs of hypothermia and frostbite. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect either condition
Stay safe this Harmattan season.