Staying Safe While Clearing Ice and Snow
Clearing ice, snow and other winter hazards can create serious risks for your health and well-being. Specifically, tackling these types of hazards requires significant physical exertion, which can take a dangerous toll on your body when paired with the frigid outdoor elements. Furthermore, amid snowy and icy conditions, you may run the risk of experiencing major slips or falls, which could lead to serious injuries. To keep yourself as safe as possible, implement the following steps when clearing ice and snow:
• Take sufficient time to stretch before beginning any strenuous clearance activities to prepare your body and minimise the chances of injuries.
• Dress appropriately. Wear several layers of clothing, including a warm hat and thermal gloves.
• Wear appropriate footwear that provides traction on ice and snow. Footwear should be made of anti-slip material; avoid plastic and leather-soled shoes and boots.
• When shovelling snow, push the snow instead of lifting it to protect your back from unnecessary strain. If you must lift snow, use a smaller shovel or only partially lift your shovel with snow to avoid lifting too much at a time. Always practise proper ergonomics and lift with your legs rather than your back.
• Don’t overexert yourself. Pay attention to how you feel while working in cold conditions—never work to the point of exhaustion. If you begin to feel overly fatigued, stop what you’re doing and inform your supervisor.
Always exercise caution when doing any type of outdoor work during winter, especially ice and snow clearance.
For more winter safety guidance, talk to your supervisor.
Using Display Screen Equipment Safely
Display screen equipment (DSE)- including PCs, laptops and smartphones – is a common element of everyday work, but it can be damaging to health. Although it may seem like a low risk work activity, using DSE for extended periods can significantly increase your chances of acute and chronic injuries.
The most prevalent risks associated with DSE use include the following:
• Eye problems—Staring at a screen for long periods can cause your eyes to become strained. These effects can be exacerbated if your screen or overall workstation is not set up properly.
• Posture issues—Prolonged sitting combined with a poorly designed workstation can lead to poor posture, increasing overall muscle tension and impacting your musculoskeletal health.
• Strains—Working with DSE can place excess stress on several body parts that may be forced to reach or strain, such as the neck, arms, wrists and hands.
To alleviate some of the risks from frequent DSE use, consider the following best practices:
• Adjust your screen. Screens should be positioned approximately an arm’s length away, and the top of the screen should align with your eyes. Ensure your screen is bright enough that you do not have to squint or strain your eyes to read or perform other tasks. In addition, proactively keep on top of eye health with regular eye tests.
• Check your position. Your chair should be pushed up close to your desk so your back can rest against the back of the chair while still being able to reach your keyboard and mouse comfortably. Adjust your chair so your feet rest flat on the floor. Alternatively, cushions or boxes can be used as a footrest. Placing cushions or a rolled-up towel between the lower back and the backrest can also provide better back support.
• Take regular breaks. Take frequent breaks from your workstation to relieve muscle tension. Consider leveraging break-monitoring software to remind you to move more, and conduct simple stretches throughout the day to keep you supple.
Understanding the risks of DSE and adopting simple ergonomic best practices can help keep you comfortable and safe at work.
For additional workplace best practices, speak to your supervisor.
