3958
Winter Safety
Leader’s Guide
WARRANTY/DISCLAIMER
"This program has been created to assist companies that are endeavoring to educate their
employees regarding good safety and health practices. The information contained in this program
is the information available to the producers of the program at the time of its production. All
information in this program should be reviewed for accuracy and appropriateness by companies
using the program to assure that it conforms to their situation and recommended procedures, as
well as to any state, federal or other laws, standards and regulations governing their operations.
There is no warranty, expressed or implied, that the information in this program is accurate or
appropriate for any particular company's environment."
Copyright 2009, The MARCOM Group, Ltd.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section
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INTRODUCTION TO THE PROGRAM
S Structure and organization
S Background
S Objectives
S Reviewing the program
1
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PREPARING FOR THE PRESENTATION
S Structuring the presentation
S Setting up the class and classroom
2
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CONDUCTING THE SESSION
S The initial steps
S Showing the program
S Conducting the discussion
S Concluding the presentation
S "Wrapping up" the paperwork
3
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OUTLINE OF MAJOR PROGRAM POINTS
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1
INTRODUCTION TO THE PROGRAM
Structure and Organization
Information in this program is presented in a definite order, so that employees will see the
relationships between the various groups of information and can retain them more easily. The
sections in this program include:
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Surviving the cold.
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Driving in winter weather.
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Winter fun.
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Holiday decorations.
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Celebrating the season safely.
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And more!
Each of the sections gives an overview of important information in one topic area, providing
employees with the basis for understanding the hazards associated with winter weather and the
holidays.
Background
The change of seasons often sneaks up on us. It seems that one moment we're working under the
autumn sunlight, and the next we're watching the first snowfall and listening for school closings.
The onset of winter is also a busy time for everyone. Schedules get crowded. Deadlines creep up
on us. And there are holidays and vacations to prepare for. Amid all this activity, we often forget to
make room for safety.
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Of course, we should always be on the lookout for problems, and try to avoid dangerous situations. But
as winter approaches, there are additional hazards to watch out for.
Objectives
To help employees recognize hazards they may encounter during the winter and around the
holidays, as well as to handle these hazards, this education and training program is designed to
present basic information in these areas. Upon completion of the program, employees should be
able to:
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Dress appropriately for the cold weather.
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Recognize situations that could lead to overexertion and pace themselves
accordingly.
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Remind themselves and others about how to "play" safely in the snow.
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Prepare their vehicles for cold weather operation and drive safely in ice and snow.
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Guard against fires in their homes by selecting and caring for holiday trees
appropriately.
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Use fireplaces, space heaters and candles safely.
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Use alcohol intelligently and safely, and help those around them to do the same.
Reviewing the Program
As with any educational program, the "presenter" should go through the entire program at least
once to become familiar with the content and make sure the program is consistent with company
policy and directives.
An "Outline of Major Program Points" section is included in this Presenter's Guide to help with
this task and for general reference.
As part of this review process, you should determine how you, as the presenter, will conduct
your session. The use of materials such as handouts, charts, etc., that may be available to you
needs to be well thought out and integrated into the overall program presentation.
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PREPARING FOR THE PRESENTATION
Structuring the Presentation
In conducting this education session, you should proceed with a friendly and helpful attitude.
Remember that the "trainees" are looking to your experience and knowledge to help them relate
to the situations shown in the program. It is important to let the trainees interact with you and
each other during the training session. Stimulating conversation within the group is one of the
best things you, as the presenter of the program, can do to help everyone get as much as possible
from the session. Be alert for comments that could help in this area in future sessions and make
note of them.
As the presenter, you also should:
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Keep the session related to the topic of winter safety.
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Relate discussions to hazards associated with winter weather and holiday
activities, and how they can be avoided.
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Prevent any one person or small group of employees in the session from doing all
the talking.
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Get everyone involved. Ask questions of those who don't participate voluntarily.
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Clarify comments by relating them to the key points in the program.
Use the "Outline of Major Program Points" included in the program, as well as the information
included in the quiz, as the basis for answering any questions. If you don't know the answer, say
so. Tragic results may occur should you provide incorrect or inaccurate information. Remember,
this is a positive program on winter safety. Make sure your attitude and words reflect this and
that the emphasis is always on providing the information needed by the attendees to improve
their ability to live and work safely.
Setting Up the Class and Classroom
Remember, there are a number of things that must be done to "set up" the class as well as the
classroom. These fall into several groups of activities, and include:
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Scheduling and Notification
— Use the enclosed form to schedule employees into the session.
— Make sure that the session is scheduled so that it fits into your
attendees' work day.
— Send out notification of the session well in advance, to give people
enough time to incorporate it into their schedule for that day.
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— If possible, post a notification on bulletin boards in the affected
employees' areas.
•
The Classroom
— Schedule the room well in advance.
— Make sure the room can accommodate the expected number of
attendees.
— Check it again on the day of the program to make sure there is no
conflict.
— Make sure the room can be darkened, and won't create a glare on the
television screen.
— Locate the light controls and test them.
— Make sure the power for the videotape or DVD player you are using
operates separately from the room light.
— See if you can control the room temperature.
— Know where the closest restrooms are.
— Assure that the room is free from distracting noises.
— Make sure emergency exits are marked and known to the attendees.
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Seating
— Make sure everyone can see the screen from their seat.
— Make sure everyone can hear both the videotape/ DVD and you (when
you speak).
— Check to see that seating is such that writing can be done easily.
— Make sure the seating arrangement allows eye contact between
attendees, and between you and attendees.
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Equipment and Materials
— Make sure the videotape or DVD player, monitor, and all appropriate
cables and extension cords are available.
— Make sure a stand or table is available and is of appropriate height for
all attendees to easily see the monitor.
— If you plan on using a chartpad, blackboard, or other writing board,
make sure it is available, easy to see, and you have the proper writing
implements.
— Make sure you have 6" x 8" index cards or other materials to be used
as "name tents" for attendees.
— Make sure you have made up a sufficient number of copies of the quiz,
as well as any other handouts you are using.
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"Final Check"
— Make sure equipment is in the room prior to the scheduled session.
— Make sure you have the right program, (look inside the three-ring
binder!)
— Check to see that the room is set up properly.
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— Check equipment prior to the presentation to assure that it works.
— Make sure extension cords, etc. are "taped down", if need be, to avoid
tripping.
— If you are using the videotape version of the program, run the "leader"
up to the point where the program begins.
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CONDUCTING THE SESSION
The Initial Steps
In conducting the session remember the positive nature of this presentation. Everyone is
attending in order to learn more about the hazards that they can encounter during winter weather
and the holidays, and how they can avoid or cope with them. Initially, you need to:
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Introduce yourself as the session leader.
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State the title of the program, "Winter Safety" and the purpose of the session (to
learn about the hazards employees may encounter during winter weather and the
holidays).
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Inform the attendees when there will be breaks (if you plan them), the location of
exits and restrooms and if water, coffee, or other refreshments will be available.
•
Make sure all of the attendees have "signed in" on your scheduling and attendance
sheet. Remember, it is very important to document people's attendance at the
session.
Once this housekeeping is done, it is time to move to the "meat" of the session. First, the
attendees need to be informed about the objectives of the session (this is where you can use a flip
chart or board to list the objectives, which should be done prior to the class starting). This listing
should be preceded with some introductory remarks. Your own words are always best, but the
remarks should include information such as the following paragraphs:
"No one wants to be in an accident. That is why we take so many precautions. We
wear personal protective equipment and follow the appropriate work practices for
the jobs we are doing."
"But we often forget that cold, winter weather and the holidays can bring their
own particular sets of hazards. Dressing for cold weather, driving on ice and
snow, being 'smart' in our use of alcohol and encouraging others to do the same
are all important things we should know."
"The program we are going to watch today will give us a good overview of the
hazards that we can encounter during cold, winter weather and the holidays... as
well as what we can do to avoid or cope with them. To make this the most
productive session possible we need to look at what we want to accomplish here
today (verbally reference the 'Objectives' list from the first section, or gesture to
the blackboard or chart where you have written them down)."
Once the objectives have been provided, you are ready to show the program. However, you do
need to let the attendees know that they will be taking a quiz at the end of the session (if you are
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using it). It needs to be emphasized that they are not being "graded", but that the quiz is being
used to see if the session is effectively transmitting information to them in a way they will
remember.
Showing the Program
At this point, you need to introduce the title of the program once again, "Winter Safety", darken
the lights if necessary, and begin the showing of the program.
If you are using the DVD version of the course you have several options as to how you can move
through the program and what employees see.
The DVD menu has three "selection bars":
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"Play".
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"Scene Index".
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"Contact Info".
To just play the program from beginning to end, select "Play".
To view (or review) a specific section of the program, select "Scene Index". You will be
presented with a group of buttons, each of which corresponds to a section of the program. You
can then select the specific section that you want to view.
If you would like information on other programs and products that are available from MARCOM
you can select "Contact Info" for information about how to contact us.
All of our DVDs, both English and Spanish, are subtitled (similar to closed captioning). If there
are hearing impaired employees participating in your training session, or you want people to be
able to read the program narration as well as hear it, push the "subtitle" button on your DVD
player's remote control or the player's control panel. A print version of the narration will then
appear on the screen as the video plays.
Conducting the Discussion
After the program has been shown, it is time for the group discussion on the information
contained in the session. Care must be taken to make sure that the discussion is kept to the
general topic of winter safety. There are several ways to conduct this discussion. These include:
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Calling for questions from the attendees and using these questions as the basis for
the discussion.
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"Leading" the discussion through the points covered in the program using
statements such as:
— "One of the sections that we saw in the program discussed how to
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dress for cold weather. Who can review the types of clothes we should
wear, and how they should be worn to keep us as warm and safe as
possible?"
— "We saw an interesting sequence discussing the steps that should be
taken to prepare a vehicle for operating in cold weather. Who can list
these steps for us?"
You should use the discussion format that you are most comfortable with. The "Outline of Major
Program Points" in this guide, and the questions and answers in the master copies of the quiz can
also be very useful as a basis for discussion.
Remember, you have allocated a limited amount of time in which this discussion can take place.
It is important to blend the attendees' questions and areas of obvious interest with the objective
of trying to touch on each major area within the session in the discussion. By touching on each
area, the attendees are much more likely to retain the information presented in the session.
Concluding the Presentation
Once discussion has concluded, whether naturally or you have had to bring the discussion to a
close in order to complete the session within the time allowed, it is time to give the quiz (if you
are using it). Again, remind the attendees that the quiz is only meant to help determine how
effective the presentation of the information is, and that they will not be graded on it. Let them
know that they have approximately five minutes to complete the quiz.
At the end of the five minute period, remind the attendees to date and sign their quizzes, and then
collect them. The attendees should be thanked for attending the session and reminded of any
other sessions in the educational program that they may be attending. They can then be dismissed
to return to their normal activities.
*(An alternative to this approach is to give the quiz immediately after showing the program, then
use a review of the quiz as a basis for your group discussion.)
"Wrapping Up" the Paperwork
Before much time has passed, and the subject matter is fresh in your mind, several areas of
"paperwork" must be completed. First, check to make sure that all attendees signed the
scheduling and attendance form. Next, make sure that you have a quiz from every attendee, dated
and signed.
Also, depending upon what you have decided to do, a copy of the attendance sheet and the quiz
for each attendee should be either filed in your files, or turned over to the attendee's department
manager (or the personnel office) so that this paperwork can be included in their personnel file.
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The attendees' training logs should also be updated, and each attendee should be given a filled
out and signed training certificate, signifying that they have successfully completed the course.
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OUTLINE OF MAJOR PROGRAM POINTS
The following outline summarizes the major points of information presented in the program. The
outline can be used to review the program before conducting a classroom session, as well as in
preparing to lead a class discussion about the program.
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The change of seasons often sneaks up on us. It seems that one moment we're
working under the autumn sunlight, and the next we're watching the first
snowfall and listening for school closings.
•
The onset of winter is also a "busy time" for everyone.
— Schedules get crowded.
— Deadlines creep up on us.
— There are holidays and vacations to prepare for.
— Amid all this activity, we often forget to make room for safety.
•
Of course, we should always be on the lookout for problems, and try to avoid
dangerous situations.
— But as winter approaches, there are additional hazards to watch out for.
•
As soon as you feel that first blast of cold air on your cheeks you'll remember
the first rule of winter safety… "stay warm".
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Dress for the season. Layering your clothing traps your body's heat, and
insulates you from the cold.
— You should wear a water-repellant outer shell in rain or snow.
— Complete your wardrobe with a hat and a warm pair of gloves or
mittens.
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Cold weather often results in slippery surfaces, which can lead to falls.
— Prevent slipping by picking out shoes and boots with rough treads.
— Take small steps and watch out for "slick spots".
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You can help to prevent slipping accidents at home by keeping your
driveway and sidewalks clear of snow and ice.
— Be careful of back-strain when you're shoveling.
— Reduce potential problems by lifting the snow with your legs, not your
back.
— Don't overdo it. If your muscles begin to tighten up, take a "stretching
break" to keep yourself from cramping.
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Spread salt on walks and steps to melt any ice.
— Remember, salting before it snows can reduce the need for shoveling
as well as prevent ice from forming.
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•
If you're responsible for helping to keep your workplace safe in icy and
snowy weather, the same principles apply.
— Make a list of parking lots and walkways that need to be kept clear.
— Check on them regularly to make sure they are cleaned off and hazardfree.
•
If you've ever ventured out after a winter storm, you know how treacherous
the roads can be.
— Cold weather driving can be made easier by preparing your car for the
season, and by adjusting your driving habits.
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For smoother starting and easier running, be sure to get your car a "tuneup".
— Don't forget to have the brakes and shock absorbers checked out.
— Inspect your tires -- get new ones if the treads are worn.
— Replace the windshield wipers if they show signs of wear.
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Make sure your radiator is filled with the appropriate coolant or antifreeze,
and that you have a good supply of wiper fluid (it can get used up quickly
trying to keep your windshield clear.)
Stock your car with emergency supplies. Bring along:
— Extra antifreeze.
— A set of jumper cables.
— A small shovel.
— Some salt or sand to provide traction if you get stuck.
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You should also pack:
— A flashlight.
— A blanket.
— Reflectors.
— Flares or an emergency light.
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Before driving in icy or snowy conditions, listen to the radio, watch TV, or
check your favorite internet weather site for the latest on road conditions.
— You should only go out if the roads are safe for travel.
— Don't rush.
— Allow yourself extra time to get where you're going…and drive
cautiously.
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To increase your visibility, clear the snow from your windows, headlights
and side mirrors.
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You can prevent snow from blowing back onto your windshield or the
drivers behind you by brushing off your roof and hood (in many places it's
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the law).
— This is especially important if you're driving a van or some other type
of truck, since they can carry a lot more snow than a car.
— Once you're ready, buckle up and get on your way.
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When you're out on the road, drive defensively.
— Be alert, and anticipate possible problems.
— Reduce your speed, so you have more time to react to poor road
conditions.
— Slow down if you have to make a sharp turn (otherwise, you may find
yourself quickly spinning out of control).
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If you need to stop, apply your brakes gradually.
— This will help you to keep your car under control.
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Keep in mind that other drivers may not do so well in the snow.
— Give yourself time to stop by increasing the normal "following
distance" between you and the driver in front of you.
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Be prepared to react if you find your car beginning to skid.
— Do not slam on the brakes (this will lock up your wheels and make it
harder to steer).
— Stay calm.
— Take your foot off the gas pedal and steer the car in the direction that
you want it to go.
•
The best way to stay safe on snowy and icy roads is to stay off them.
— So if the roads are in bad shape and you don't have to go
somewhere…stay home!
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And remember, having a 4-wheel or all-drive vehicle doesn't exempt you
from winter driving problems.
— It's still easy to "slip and slide!"
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If you're working outside in the cold, there are precautions you need to take
as well.
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Again, make sure you're dressed for the weather.
— "Layering" your clothes is always a good idea.
— But be careful to keep hydrated, and monitor your energy level (it's
easy to sweat away important fluids and minerals, even in chilly
weather).
— And working in heavy clothing can tire you out quickly.
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•
Tools and equipment can behave differently in the cold too.
— Metal often gets brittle, and can break or fracture more easily.
— Controls can be harder to operate and adjust.
— And remember, skin "sticks" to metal when it's cold, so keep your
gloves on if at all possible.
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Of course winter weather isn't all gloom and doom.
— It also provides plenty of opportunities for us to have some fun!
— Playing in the snow is something people of any age can enjoy.
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But whether you're out by yourself or with the kids, you need to be careful.
— If you're sledding, make sure there's plenty of room to stop at the
bottom of the hill.
— Stay away from clear or icy patches.
— Avoid "run-ins" with bushes, trees, and other obstacles.
— And keep out of the street!
— Be considerate of those around you.
— And remember, adult supervision is always a good idea if kids are
involved.
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A fresh snowfall can also lead to snowball fights.
— Have fun, but be careful…it's easy for someone to get hurt.
— Don't aim for the head, and make sure your snowballs don't contain
any ice or stones.
•
Once you're ready to come in from the cold, there's nothing like warming up
in front of a roaring fire... if your fireplace is safe, that is.
— To help prevent problems, have your chimney professionally cleaned
at least once a year (without a good scrubbing the soot inside can start
a fire you may not be able to control).
— To prevent burning embers from finding their way into your living
room, keep a sturdy screen in front of the fireplace.
Space heaters are another way lots of people keep warm. Be careful though.
— You need to position them at least three feet from combustible
surfaces, such as curtains and walls.
— Be sure to use the correct fuel.
— Putting gasoline in a kerosene heater can result in a fire, or even an
explosion.
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In addition to having to cope with cold weather, wintertime can also mean
big time decorating.
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If you put up a tree and are using a natural one this year, be sure it's healthy.
— Bend the needles, to make sure they aren't dried up and brittle.
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— Bounce a pre-cut tree on the ground ((if the needles fall off easily, it's
another sign that the tree is too dry).
— Examine the trunk (a freshly cut tree will have sap on the bottom).
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When you've made your selection, put the tree in your trunk, or tie it
securely to the roof, to get it home.
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Set the tree up in a sturdy stand.
— You should add some preservative to the tree's daily supply of water
(it will extend the life of the tree and make it more fire-resistant, too!)
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If you're using lights, make sure they're UL approved.
— Test the lights before putting them on the tree.
— Replace any defective bulbs and fuses.
— Look for frayed wiring, a cracked plug or loose sockets.
— If you find anything wrong, throw the string away (don't try to tape it
up; the money that you save isn't worth risking a fire.)
•
Hiding an extension cord under a rug may make your living room look a
little neater, but it's also a fire hazard.
— So don't do it.
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And don't create an electrical "octopus" either.
— Limit the number of plugs per outlet.
— Too many lights and appliances plugged into the same place can
overload your circuits and start a fire.
•
Any lights and other electric decorations that you use outside should be UL
listed for outdoor use.
— Make sure that everything is securely attached.
— Be careful if you have to climb a ladder to put things up.
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When you're not there to enjoy them, you should unplug both your indoor
and outdoor lights.
— Use light timers for your regular lights if you're worried that burglars
will be tipped off that you're not home.
•
Candles are also a part of many winter holiday celebrations. But they too
must be kept away from things that can catch fire.
— Don't place burning candles near decorations or trees.
— Never leave a lit candle unattended.
— Be sure to keep matches out of the reach of children, as well.
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If a problem does occur with the lights or candles you're using, an "early
warning" can often save lives. That's where smoke detectors come in.
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— You should have at least one detector on each level of your home.
— Test them weekly and change the batteries once a year.
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You should also keep a multi-purpose fire extinguisher in an easily accessible
place.
— Make sure your entire family knows where it is, and how to use it.
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Prepare an escape plan, so in case of a fire everyone knows how to exit
quickly and safely from any room in the house.
•
Once our homes are decorated, many of us will invite people over.
— These gatherings can be a lot of fun.
— But whether you're a guest or a host, you have a responsibility to
celebrate the season safely.
•
Holiday "get togethers" always have good food and conversation, and often,
alcohol.
— But whenever alcohol is around, it's important to drink responsibly.
— If you're going to a party, designate a driver so that your group can all
get home safely.
•
If you're the driver, this doesn't mean that you should drink less than your
friends.
— It means that you should not drink alcohol at all.
•
If you're hosting a party and serving alcohol, there are several things to
remember.
— When you're serving an alcoholic punch, use a non-carbonated base,
like fruit juice (this will slow down the bloodstream's ability to absorb
the alcohol).
— Along with alcohol, you should always have something to eat as well
(having food in your stomach also helps to slow the rate at which the
body absorbs alcohol).
— Don't forget to have non-alcoholic beverages on hand for the
designated drivers and others who don't want to drink.
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To prevent the urge to have "one for the road", close the bar down at least
an hour before the party ends.
— Encourage people to have some of those non-alcoholic beverages
before they go.
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•
Your responsibility as a host doesn't end as people begin to leave.
— Never let anyone drive home if they've had too much to drink.
— Put them on a bus or call a taxi, but don't let them get behind the
wheel.
— If none of these options are available, have them stay overnight.
— Hosts definitely don't want their guests driving drunk.
•
If you're out and about during the holidays and suspect that another driver
is under the influence, stay out of their way.
— Pull over or take an alternate route home.
— Use your cell phone to report anyone you see driving erratically to the
police.
— You just might save someone else "down the road".
•
Unlike us, accidents don't take holidays.
— But there are things that we can do to keep ourselves, and others, safe
all winter long.
* * *SUMMARY * * *
•
Dress for the season. Insulate yourself from the cold… and don't forget your
hat and gloves.
•
Shovel the snow from your driveway and sidewalks. But remember not to
over do it.
•
Winterize your car. Don't forget those emergency supplies.
•
Drive cautiously on snow and ice. Always maintain a safe following distance.
•
Avoid fire hazards. Be careful with fireplaces, space heaters and holiday
lights.
•
Remember to celebrate with care. Don't drink too much, and never allow
anyone to drive under the influence.
•
There's no mystery to staying safe during the winter. If you stay on the
lookout for hazards, and "think safety," you can put potential accidents in a
"deep freeze".
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Winter Safety
Preview Quiz
Name:
Date:
1. True or False... You can usually stay warmer by wearing one heavy garment than by
wearing several layers of lighter clothes?
True
False
2. True or False... The safest way to shovel snow is to take most of the load with your arms,
shoulders and back... not your legs?
True
False
3. Which of the following should be included in a good "emergency road kit"?
Jumper cables
Flashlight
Blanket
All the Above
4. True or False... If your car goes into a skid you should turn the wheel in the direction that
you want to go?
True
False
5. True or False... To keep a holiday tree fresh most effectively, water it once every four
days?
True
False
6. Which of the following fuels can be used safely in most space heaters?
Gasoline.
Kerosene.
Diesel fuel.
7. True or False... A good way to start a fire in your fireplace is to use evergreen branches
you have trimmed from your holiday tree?
True
False
Answer Key:
1. False
2. False
3. All the Above
4. True
5. False
6. Kerosene
7. False