Safety is Cool: Tips for Being Prepared and Safe During Winter Weather

Winter season will be here before you know it, but are you ready for the tough storms and bitter cold? Winter can be an especially challenging time for our customers in utility, telecommunications and tree care, and its unique challenges often require special attention to safety and security on the job. What’s more, power outages are happening twice as often in serious weather disasters, putting an even greater strain on utility workers across the country.

So what can you do to stay safe while working outdoors in winter? We have a few suggestions:

Proper equipment and clothing

Dressing with thicker, warmer layers is obvious enough, but what many don’t consider is the importance of staying dry and free of perspiration which reduces your internal body temperature as it evaporates. Having pants, jackets, and shirts with moisture-wicking can make a big difference.

In the same vein, having specialized PPE equipment for winter is essential for staying safe on the job. Whether it’s anti-fog safety glasses or insulated jackets with high-visibility colors, being easily seen and seeing easily helps prevent accidents.

Safe driving

Driving from work site to work site means a lot of hours on the road, and winter weather usually presents some of the most dangerous road conditions imaginable. While safe driving is always a focus for our customers, icy roads are a particular concern at this time of year. Driving at reasonable speeds is important as always but having work trucks equipped with helpful accessories like exterior vehicle lights, bucket covers, or backup cameras sometimes gets overlooked.

Learn the signs of cold weather health risks

Freezing, windy weather also brings specific health risks to workers spending extended hours in the elements like frostbite or hypothermia. These conditions have common tell-tale signs to look out for as a warning that your crew should address right away. For example, feelings of numbness, muscle stiffness, and discolored skin are some of the symptoms you should expect from frostbite.

One more way you can improve your working crew’s safety is by participating in our winter safety kit giveaway coming soon on Altec’s Facebook and Instagram. We’ll randomly select a winner in mid-December 2023, so be on the lookout for a notification if you’re chosen.

On behalf of Altec Supply, we encourage all our customers and families to stay safe during the winter season and to promote safety on the job at all times of the year. If you need new safety or winter preparedness equipment for your crews visit our online Supply store, contact your local account manager, or call 1-877-GO-ALTEC.