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Winter Safety Tips: Stay Safe in the Cold

The railroads hardly ever close due to severe winter weather. When a winter storm hits or the temperature dips dangerously low, railroad workers are expected to keep the railroads running. Railroad workers face these high-risk conditions to keep our country’s freight moving. People rely on railroad workers for the timely delivery of important goods.

Freezing temperatures and other harsh weather conditions present serious safety dangers for railroaders, including hypothermia, frostbite, trench foot, chilblains, icy surfaces, impaired vision, frostbite, and even death. If you have a pre-existing condition such as asthma or type 1 or type 2 diabetes, exposure to the extreme cold could worsen these conditions. If you have asthma, inhaling cold air can tighten airways and cause shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing. Cold air could possibly trigger an asthma attack, and you should seek immediate medical attention. If you have diabetes, cold weather can cause erratic blood sugar levels. Make sure to check your blood sugar regularly, and if you begin to feel dizzy or weak after coming back indoors, make sure you seek immediate medical attention.

Remember, the railroad is required by law to provide a reasonably safe workplace. That includes when you are working in frigid temperatures or severe winter weather. If you are injured due to the weather, the railroad will try and blame the weather instead of taking responsibility. But almost all injuries are preventable. The railroad must provide a reasonably safe workplace even during harsh weather conditions and the extreme cold.

This article is to help you identify some of the health hazards you will face during the extreme cold and steps the railroad should take to keep their workers safe.

Health Hazards

  • Hypothermia is when your body loses heat faster than it can produce it, resulting in an abnormally low body temperature. Symptoms to watch out for are uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, and slurred speech. Hypothermia is life-threatening and a person may not know it is happening. It is important to watch for these symptoms in yourself and your fellow workers.
  • Frostbite is when damage occurs to body tissue that has been exposed to the extreme cold. Symptoms include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in the fingers and toes. Make sure to seek immediate help if you believe you are suffering from frostbite.
  • Trench foot, also known as immersion foot, is an injury where your feet are exposed to wet and cold conditions for long periods of time. Symptoms include pain, swelling, redness, numbness, tingling, itching, and cramping. After a few days, blisters or ulcers may develop. If you suspect you have trench foot, seek medical treatment immediately.
  • Chilblains is a skin condition that occurs when the skin is exposed to cold or damp weather. It can affect the hands, feet, ears, nose, and other extremities. The cold air narrows the blood vessels on the skin’s surface and causes swelling. When the skin is then exposed to heat, the blood vessels widen too quickly, leading to inflammation and itchiness. If chilblains are left untreated, they can cause permanent damage.
  • Winter PPE includes appropriate footwear that is insulated, water-resistant, with a non-slip tread and boot spikes to prevent falls. If necessary, wear two pairs of socks. The first pair, next to your skin, should be made of moisture-wicking fabric. A second pair of wool or wool-bended socks can be worn on top of the first pair. Your boots should cover your ankles and make sure nothing feels tight, because overly tight clothing can increase the risk of frostbite.
  • The railroad should supply insulated, water-resistant gloves with an adequate grip to prevent falls.
  • The best way to combat extreme temperatures is for the railroad to ensure there is a heated area to create a warm, dry place that allows railroaders to warm their bodies during breaks.
  • Railroaders should dress in layers. In the extreme cold, they should wear at least three layers of clothing, including long underwear and a winter hat that covers the ears. Winter hats are important because they reduce the amount of body heat escaping from the head.
  • Job briefings with crews should address extreme weather hazards and safe work methods.
  • The railroad should provide written instruction and training for workers regarding working in the cold, including issues like warming up/stretching to reduce cold-induced stiffness, taking shorter and slower steps for traction, and recognizing when PPE is worn out and should be replaced.

When the railroad fails to take steps to ensure their workers are safe, the risk of injury increases. If you suffer a workplace injury involving winter weather conditions, do not assume the railroad is not at fault. You may have a potential injury claim. If you are injured, do not hesitate to contact our award-winning railroad trial lawyers here at Schlichter Bogard.