Holiday concerns for businesses, workers

Fall and winter are just around the corner and this change of seasons brings new safety concerns for both employers and employees. Because of this, I have changed my usual business-focused column to one that stresses safety both on and off the job ... and some potential liability issues as well.

On-the-job safety

With bad weather looming on the horizon, employers need to remind their staff of safety issues that may have gone by the wayside during the warmer months. For employees whose jobs require them to be exposed to the elements and restricted visibility (such as maintenance staff, drivers and construction/remodeling folks), consider holding quick and simple tailgate or toolbox talks to avoid on-the-job injuries. Focus on aspects such as walking and working surfaces, equipment operation and understanding the symptoms of hypothermia. A twisted ankle or broken wrist can be a devastating injury, one that could very easily be avoided by basic reminders: watch where you are walking, check and wipe your shoes as you enter the facility and remember that yesterday's snow could be ice today.

Fall is also a good time to conduct a defensive driving refresher course. As the days get shorter, braking distance gets longer; this is one of the few constants in the universe. Visible hazards such as ice patches, snow covered roads, black ice and limited visibility are basic no-brainers. Even though these seem obvious, there's nothing like a quick reminder about defensive driving to bring these issues back into people's minds. Black ice blends in color with the surface of the road and, unfortunately, by the time it is normally spotted, it's too late.

If your employees work outdoors, provide a few cold weather tips to ensure their well-being. Have your employees take frequent breaks to warm up and remind them to dress in layers. Should they begin to exhibit signs of hypothermia such as shivering, confused mental state and a drop in heart rate they need to not only get to a warm location but also to the local clinic or hospital.

Off-the-job safety

People go all out to decorate their homes for this festive season erecting inflatable yard art, Christmas lights and decorating their landscapes. Unfortunately, this activity exposes your employees to hazards they are not used to. Consider giving your employees some type of heads-up on off-duty hazards. Remember, it doesn't matter where an employee was injured when you consider loss productivity. Some of the issues people face during the holidays are easily identified and, others, well not so much. Below are a few points you might want to research and pass along to your folks:

* When using a ladder, treat it as if they were using a ladder at work (inspect it and work off of it safely).

* Use UL approved three-wire heavy-duty extension cords for their exterior lighting displays.

* Use proper extension cords for interior lights as well two prong cords are bad, three prong cords are good.

* Never staple holiday lights to a house. Use light hangers instead.

* Keep sidewalks and driveways shoveled and remember to lay down ice melt.

* Put down only non-toxic ice melt, as pets are three times more susceptible to most toxins than people are.

* Keep candles and lights as far away from combustible materials as possible they generate excessive amounts of heat and can start fires easily.

* Never use a propane or charcoal grill or ornamental fire pit to warm a house or garage.

* If a real Christmas tree is erected, check its water daily a dry tree can easily catch fire and engulf a living room in less than a minute.

* Before Christmas shopping, check the Consumer Product Safety Commission (www.cspc.gov) for toy and product recalls, and avoid anything manufactured in China as they do not have the same safety and lead standards as we have in the U.S.

By creating a short company newsletter, company-wide e-mail or even a paycheck stuffer, you can help your employees and their families have a safe and enjoyable holiday.

Business liability

Now back to employers and potential liability concerns. The hazards and issues you considered last winter may not be center-stage on your list of things to address now, but you probably should. According to Reno Administrative Code Sec. 12.20.005, all property owners must maintain their sidewalks so they do not create a safety hazard. Employers (as well as employees) need to make sure those sidewalks and access points (as well as emergency egress points) are free of snow and ice. Should anyone slip and become injured due to snow or ice, the liability shifts to the property owner.

Another thing to consider is snow build-up on roofs and overhangs. Instruct your maintenance crew to check sidewalks, roofs and overhang areas for snow and ice buildup, especially after a storm. Heavy snow can actually cause structural concerns. Many readers may remember the snows of 2005. I had about five feet of snow in my yard and on my roof. I can remember (all too well) shoveling the snow off my roof, not once, but twice. For homeowners that's an option, but for employers, it is in your best interest to hire a specialized company. While this may not sound like specialized work, it really is when you consider the safety issues involved. Things like fall protection, ladder safety, working in very cold weather all pose hazards to untrained employees. So think twice before asking your people to conduct these activities.

Lastly, consider your window decorations. Many businesses decorate their storefronts and windows with holiday themes, but ensure these decorations do not block peoples' views when entering and exiting your business. Front doors should be free of decorations, advertisements, flyers, etc. that obstruct a persons' ability to make sure the way is clear.

The holidays are a great time of year. With the right planning and some forethought, they can be enjoyable for both employers and employees.

Scott Alquist is the manager of the Truckee Meadows Community College Safety Center, which offers customized business training and other courses. Contact him at salquist@tmcc.edu or 775-857-4958.