Insurance Agency in Syracuse & Upstate NY - Haylor, Freyer ...



IntroductionObjective:All employees who are exposed to cold environments are at risk for cold stress, which can lead to serious health problems. [Organization Name] is committed to providing a safe workplace for employees that is free from hazards, including cold stress.This Cold Stress Prevention Program establishes controls to protect employees from cold stress, including hazard assessments, engineering controls, administrative controls, personal protective equipment including proper clothing, and employee training.Scope:This policy applies to all locations or projects where employees are exposed to cold environments. This policy must be used in conjunction with the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) which gives further guidelines for medical emergencies.Terms:Cold stress: When cold exposure is severe enough to cause cold-related illnesses, including the following:Hypothermia: An abnormally low body temperature caused by the body losing heat faster than it can be produced, eventually using up the body’s stored energyFrostbite: Freezing of body tissue exposed to low temperatures, which can lead to permanent damage or amputationTrench foot (also called immersion foot): Damage to the skin on the feet caused by lack of blood flow in prolonged wet and cold conditions Wind chill: How cold the air temperature feels due to the addition of wind (See Appendix A: Wind Chill Chart.)Wind chill advisory: When wind chill temperatures are low enough to pose a threat to human health if precautions are not takenWind chill warning: When wind chill temperatures are so low that they become life-threateningAcclimatization: The physiological process of adapting to a different temperature, allowing a better toleration of cold environments Outline of topics:1.Responsibilities .............................................................................................22.Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) ..........................................................................33.Training Requirements .................................................................................34.Engineering Controls ....................................................................................45.Administrative Controls .................................................................................46.Clothing and Personal Protective Equipment ..................................................67.Cold Stress Symptoms ..................................................................................68.Emergency Response and Treatment ............................................................7ResponsibilitiesManagement:Management is responsible for assuring the safety and health of employees in cold environments through their support of this plan and by appointing the Plan Administrator Plan Administrator:[Responsible Person] will lead the development, implementation, and periodic updating of the Cold Stress Prevention Program. The administrator must:Implement a training program that is tailored to tasks performed in cold environments.Implement an acclimatization protocol for employees who work in cold environments.Implement controls that minimize direct exposure to and limit time spent in cold environments.Assure that employees have appropriate clothing and PPE.Assure that first aid personnel are available on site.Coordinate with emergency medical services in advance of an emergency. Employees:Employees are responsible to do the following:Complete training programs for cold stress awareness and prevention as provided by your employer. Know the hazards and controls associated with your job as defined in the associated job hazard analysis (JHA).Follow the guidelines in this policy, including proper work practices, wearing proper clothing, and taking the recommended breaks. Stay covered up, including your extremities, and never touch cold metal surfaces with your bare skin.Take breaks in the warm break rooms or environments, and drink warm liquids, provided by management. Never drink alcohol to stay warm, as it will increase your risk of cold stress. Remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, particularly if you also drink caffeinated beverages. Be able to recognize the symptoms of cold stress, and immediately report them to management.Carry an extra change of clothes, and change out clothing if it becomes wet.Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs)[Responsible Person] is responsible to assure that JHAs are completed for each job to identify how employees may be exposed to cold environments while performing work-related tasks. See Appendix A: Wind Chill Chart. See Appendix B: Factors to Consider in Developing a Cold Stress Prevention Program.Training Requirements[Responsible Person] shall:Administrate the training program for [Organization Name]. Keep training records and retain them for ___________.Training requirements:Both employees and supervisors must be trained on this policy, all controls, specific work practices, and the symptoms of cold stress. All employees shall be trained on appropriate emergency response for cold stress, including first aid.Employees should be additionally trained on the details of their JHA.Training must be in a language the employees and supervisors understand.This training must occur at orientation, annually as refresher training, and additionally as needed if the plan changes or if an employee requests additional information or exhibits a lack of understanding of the plan.If discrepancies are found between work practices and the information contained in the training, either the training or the work practices (as appropriate) must be updated to match the other.Engineering ControlsEngineering controls used by [Organization Name] include: Providing warm, dry areas in which employees can spend breaks.Administrative ControlsMedical monitoring program: [Responsible Person] is responsible for overseeing this program.Preplacement and annual physical examinations will be conducted by an occupational medicine physician or other comparably skilled medical provider. Special emphasis will be placed on a detailed medical history and an examination of cardiovascular and pulmonary systems to assure employee suitability for working in cold environments. Acclimatization protocol: [Responsible Person] is responsible for overseeing this protocol.New and relocated employees who are new to working in a cold stress environment will be gradually introduced to the cold environment during the first week of the job. This involves gradually increasing their time in cold environments to that of a fully-acclimated employee. Job rotation:[Organization Name] is committed to limiting the amount of time each employee and team spends in cold, wet environments.[Responsible Person] will oversee job rotation.Employee rotations in cold environments during any given shift may only be [Length of Time] with a maximum shift duration of_________.Breaks:[Organization Name] requires employees to spend breaks in warm, dry areas and will provide warm beverages (e.g., coffee; tea; etc.).[Responsible Person] will assure that break areas are kept warm and supplied with warm beverages.Break areas are located [Locations].Supervisors must assure that employees take regular breaks.Breaks must be taken [Frequency].First aid and emergency preparation:[Responsible Person] will coordinate with medical personnel ahead of time to assure readiness for an emergency.[Responsible Person] will assure that first aid personnel are readily available on site and can be reached quickly in an emergency. A list of first aid personnel can be found [Location].First aid kits are located [Location].[Responsible Person] will assure that first aid kits are restocked.First aid kits must include chemical hot packs in first aid kits.Scheduling: Conduct regular maintenance and repairs during warmer periods (e.g. summer months).Clothing and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):Before entering cold environments for work functions, require all employees to be properly outfitted to protect themselves from the cold, including the following:Multiple layers of dry, loose-fitting clothingInner and middle layers should be made of wool, silk, or synthetic materials for moisture-wicking and insulation; outer layers should be wind- and waterproof and allow for some ventilation. Avoid tight or restrictive clothing.A hat or hood, including a knit mask if necessaryProtect your ears, face, and hands.Insulated, waterproof gloves and bootsCold Stress SymptomsEmployees must be alert for the following symptoms of cold stress. If you experience any of these symptoms or if you suspect that someone else has developed cold stress, report it to management immediately. Hypothermia:Early signs may include shivering and excessive moving around to try to generate heat.Moderate to severe symptoms include the cessation of shivering, loss of coordination, confusion, dilated pupils, slowed pulse, and heartbeat.Frostbite:The affected area is red with white or gray blotches in addition to blisters in severe cases.The affected area is numb but firm or hard to the touch.Trench foot:Feet are numb, swollen, or red; blisters may be present.Emergency Response and TreatmentEmployees that show symptoms of cold stress shall be removed from the cold environment immediately for proper treatment.In the event of a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.Hypothermia:Call 911 immediately for severe symptoms of hypothermia.Move the individual to a warm, dry area.Replace any wet clothes with dry layers.Wrap the individual in layers of blankets and cover their body with a tarp or garbage bag to trap water vapor; leave their face uncovered.If medical help is more than 30 minutes away, attempt to keep the individual warm by placing warm bottles or hot packs around their torso and giving them warm, sweetened (non-alcoholic) beverages.However, do not attempt to give a drink to an unconscious person.If the individual is not breathing or has no pulse:Call 911 immediately.Follow the instructions for treatment above, but do not try to give the individual any liquids.If there is no breathing or pulse after 60 seconds, trained employees may begin rescue breathing for the individual or administer a defibrillator if one is present. CPR may also be administered at the direction of the 911 operator or emergency medical responder.Frostbite:Take actions to warm the individual’s body as if they had pneumonia, but do not attempt to treat or re-warm the affected area directly before getting medical help (i.e., avoid rubbing or applying coverings or water to the affected area; leave any blisters intact).Obtain medical assistance as soon as possible.Trench Foot:Obtain medical assistance as soon as possible. Remove the individual’s shoes and socks and keep their feet warm and dry.Source: National Weather ServiceTemperatures at the worksiteWhether employees work outdoors and are exposed to weather (Note: Working indoors in a cold storage warehouse facility, for example, can also involve cold stress.)Wind speed The time of day the work takes placeThe amount of time employees spend working in the coldHow acclimatized employees are to cold temperatures Physical contact with cold objects or liquidsThe clothing and PPE employees are required to wearWhether work is physically strenuous Whether employees have shelter from the wind or a warm place to go for breaks Whether employees work in places without heat or insulation ................
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