Check out this infographic on Silent Killers! 

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Winter's Here: How do we do this again?

 

For parts of North Dakota, we're looking at a winter storm watch for later this week. We've been used to summer and fall driving conditions for a few months now, so it's a great time to review winter driving tips.

Remember to:

• Drive slowly. Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Whether accelerating, stopping, or turning, nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement.

• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is best to regain traction and avoid skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry, and take time to slow down for a stoplight. It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.

• Increase following distance. The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds. This will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop on slippery roads.

• Know your brakes. Whether you have anti-lock brakes or not, the best way to stop is threshold braking. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.

• Don’t stop if you can avoid it. There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.

• Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill as slowly as possible.

• Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.

• STAY HOME! If you really don’t have to go out, don’t. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can. Don’t tempt fate: If you don’t have somewhere you have to be, watch the snow from indoors.

 

 Now is a great time to put together a winter roadside survival kit too. Here are a few items to put in your car prior to this week's storm.

- Jumper cables 
- Small shovel 
- Carpet strips, sand, and/or cat litter for traction 
- Flashlight and batteries 
- Flares and/or reflective triangles, whistle 
- Ice scraper and brush 
- Tools
- Coffee can furnace (candle) and matches 
- First aid kit 
- Blanket, boots 
- Food and water (or a metal container to melt snow for drinking) 
- Cell phone

 

Friday the 13th: Do you feel lucky?

We had Friday the 13th last week, and since it's October, it was all the more worrisome. We hope everyone was able to dodge the black cats and steer clear of ladders.

It's one thing to be superstitious, but have you ever thought about how we sometimes leave our safety to luck too?

As a field employee, some of the best good luck charms you can have are your PPE. If your employer has given you any to wear, it means they've done their homework to determine there's a hazard in your workplace. And it's in your best interests to wear it.

PPE includes the following:

• Hard hat
• Cut gloves
• Leather gloves
• Safety glasses
• Face shield
• Harness
• Lanyard
• Steel toe shoes or boots

And much more.

J.J.Keller recently conducted a survey on why employees don't wear PPE. Some of the highest responses included:

- Just didn't want to wear it: 72%

- Didn't think it was necessary: 50%

- Made the job more difficult: 50%

The real drawback is that you can be exposing yourself to serious hazards without PPE. And the impacts of being injured don't just end with you -- it would also affect your family and friends. On the job front it can also affect your coworkers and even your company's reputation. It's just not worth it.

So if you're the superstitious type, there's nothing wrong with grabbing a four-leaf clover. But remember to grab your PPE too.

Keeping Warm and Safe: Space Heater Safety at Work

As winter approaches and temperatures drop, many of us turn to space heaters to stay warm and cozy in the workplace. While these portable heaters can provide much-needed comfort, it's essential to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to ensure our safety. 

The Benefits of Space Heaters at Work: They can help employees stay comfortable in a chilly office environment without the need to crank up the thermostat, potentially saving energy and reducing heating costs for companies.

 

The Risks of Space Heaters: However, the convenience of space heaters comes with some risks. The biggest concern is the risk of fire, as these devices can become hot to the touch and pose a danger to flammable materials. Also electrical issues and the potential for burns make it crucial to exercise caution when using space heaters at work.

 

Choosing the Right Space Heater:To minimize these risks, it's essential to choose a safe and reliable space heater. Make sure they have the tip-over shut off feature, where the heater automatically turns off if it tips over. Look for heaters with safety certifications like UL (Underwriters Laboratories). 

 

Safe Placement and Operation: Proper placement and operation are also key to space heater safety. Ensure the heater is positioned away from flammable materials (like piles of paperwork or cardboard boxes) and high-traffic areas. Always place space heaters on stable surfaces, not on desks or chairs, to prevent accidents.

 

Electrical Safety: Avoid overloading electrical circuits by using dedicated outlets for space heaters, making sure to never use extension cords. Never daisy-chain multiple heaters or other devices on the same circuit. Regularly inspect cords for damage, and replace them if necessary to prevent electrical hazards.

 

Fire Safety Precautions: Maintaining a workplace equipped with smoke detectors and fire extinguishers is essential. Familiarize yourself and your colleagues with emergency evacuation procedures in case of a fire.

 

Space heaters can be a welcome addition to your workplace during the winter months, but they should be used with caution. By choosing the right heater, placing it safely, and following electrical and fire safety guidelines, you can enjoy the warmth and comfort of a space heater without putting yourself or your coworkers at risk.

 

If you have any questions or tips to share, please feel free to leave them in the comments section below. Stay warm and stay safe!