Safety office warns of winter woes Published Jan. 24, 2013 By Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Safety Office JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- The impact of winter weather in the United States ranges from $3 billion during a normal winter season to $6 billion during an active winter, more than any other time of the year, according to the National Weather Service. Statistics indicate that more people are injured or killed during the winter months. Seventy percent of those injured during winter storms are in automobiles. Other causes of deaths and injuries include heart attacks from shoveling snow and hypothermia from prolonged exposure to the cold and frostbite, according to the National Weather Service. Many people forget that slipping and falling during winter is an exposure that causes over 1,500 deaths and about 300,000 injuries per year, according to the National Safety Council, Training in the recognition and treatment of symptoms is important. Supervisors, workers and co-workers should watch for signs of cold stress and allow workers to interrupt their work if they are extremely uncomfortable. Supervisors should also ensure work schedules allow appropriate rest periods and ensure liquids are available. Additionally, supervisors should use appropriate engineering controls, personal protective equipment and work practices to reduce the risk of cold stress. All of these measures should be incorporated into relevant health and safety plans.