Cold air, wind and moisture can all have an adverse impact on a worker’s health. Therefore, New Jersey employers should look out for their workers during the wintertime and provide them with the resources necessary to stay warm. For instance, employees should be provided with hats, gloves and liners to place under their hats. They should also be provided with shelter and warm drinks after spending time in cold weather conditions.
During winter, work should be scheduled to be completed during the warmest times of the day. Furthermore, employers should have extra people on hand if a job will take longer than usual to complete. Workers should use a buddy system and have access to communications systems if they are working in remote locations. This may allow a worker to get help quickly if hypothermia or frostbite starts to set in.
Workers can help themselves by dressing in appropriate layers. This will make it possible to remove clothing if it gets too warm or if the weather changes. Clothing should also be breathable and not too tight against a person’s body. Workers are also encouraged to stay hydrated and to not let fatigue take over. Failure to stay hydrated or working while tired could make it harder for the body to keep itself alert and warm.
If a person is hurt on the job, they may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. This is generally true regardless of how the job injury occurred. Benefits could be offered permanently to those who are unable to return to work. If an employee passes away because of injuries sustained at work, his or her family may collect a death benefit on their behalf.