Winter Smackdown!

Plan ahead and allow plenty of time to travel, and maintain information on employee driving destinations, driving routes and estimated time of arrivals.

Make sure vehicles are winterized. Check the battery, antifreeze, wipers, oil level and windshield-washer fluid frequently and replace as necessary.

Check weather conditions from the National Weather Service, which provides weather reports and alerts.

Make sure the vehicle has the correct tires for the road conditions.

Before Driving

• Remove any snow on your vehicle's windows, lights, brake lights, roof and signals.
• Wear a seatbelt and properly restrain children in the back seat of a vehicle.
• Don't be distracted while driving. Many states prohibit texting while driving. For all drivers, distracted driving is deadly even in good weather. One study showed that 85 percent of crashes occur within 3 seconds of a driver's distraction; sending a text message while traveling 40 mph can cause your eyes to be off the road for 4.7 to 5.0 seconds, enough time to travel up to 294 feet before you start braking.
• Don't speed.
• Brake early, brake slowly, brake correctly and never slam on the brakes. If you have anti-lock brakes, press the pedal down firmly and hold it. If you don't have anti-lock brakes, gently pump the pedal.
• Beware of black ice. Roads that seem dry actually may be slippery and dangerous, so take it slow when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges or shady areas.

Snowblowing Safety

Never stick your hands or feet in the snowblower. If snow becomes too impacted, stop the engine and wait at least five seconds. Use a solid object to clear wet snow or debris from the chute. Beware of the recoil of the motor and blades after the machine has been turned off.

Do not leave the snowblower unattended when it is running. Shut off the engine if you must walk away from the machine.

Watch the snowblower cord. If you are operating an electric snowblower, be aware of where the power cord is at all times, so you do not trip and fall.

Add fuel before starting the snowblower. Never add fuel when the engine is running or hot. Do not operate the machine in an enclosed area.

Read the instruction manual. 

Tips to Prevent Injuries While Removing Snow

• Check with your doctor. Because this activity places high stress on the heart, speak with your physician first. If you have a medical condition or do not exercise regularly, consider hiring someone to remove the snow.
• Dress appropriately. Light, layered, water-repellent clothing provides both ventilation and insulation. It also is important to wear the appropriate head coverings, as well as mittens or gloves and thick, warm socks. Take a break if you feel yourself getting too hot or too cold.
• See what you are shoveling/snowblowing. Make sure that your hat or scarf does not block your vision. Avoid falls by wearing shoes or boots that have slip-resistant soles.
• Clear snow early and often. 
• Warm up your muscles. Shoveling can be a vigorous activity. Before you begin, warm up your muscles for 10 minutes with light exercise.
• Pace yourself. Take frequent breaks and replenish fluids to prevent dehydration. 

Walking in Snow and Ice

Walk slowly and deliberately and wear boots or other slip-resistant footwear.

Be prepared for black-ice formation after melting occurs.

Exercise caution when getting in and out of vehicles.

Watch for slippery floors when entering buildings.

Avoid carrying items. Keep hands empty so arms are free to move for stabilization.   

Use backpacks if possible.

Cleaning Up After a Winter Storm

Assume all power lines are energized, keeping your distance and coordinating with the utility.

Make certain that all electrically powered equipment is grounded.

Provide and ensure the use of effective fall protection.