The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has created a web page to help protect workers from hazards they may face during winter storms.
The Web page provides guidance on how employers and workers can recognize snow storm-related hazards and the necessary steps that employers must take to keep workers safe while working in these conditions.

Hazards associated with working in winter storms include:
*   being struck by falling objects such as icicles, tree limbs, and utility poles
*   driving accidents due to slippery roadways
*   carbon monoxide poisoning
*   dehydration, hypothermia and frostbite
*   exhaustion from strenuous activity
*   back injuries or heart attack while removing snow
*   slips and falls due to slippery walkways
*   electrocution from downed power lines and downed objects in contact with power lines
*   burns from fires caused by energized line contact or equipment failure

Effective means of addressing winter storm hazards include:
*   assume all power lines are energized and stay well clear of any downed or damaged power lines
 *   make certain all powered equipment is properly guarded and disconnected from power sources before cleaning or performing maintenance
*   use caution around surfaces weighed down by large amounts snow or of ice
*   stay in the vehicle – do not leave the vehicle unless help is visible
*   wear reflective clothing, and eye, face and body protection
*   establish and clearly mark work zones
* use engineering controls, personal protective equipment and safe work practices to reduce the length and severity of exposure to the cold.

The new Winter Storms Web page at http://s.dol.gov/L1 includes links to guidance from OSHA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the American Red Cross, the National Weather Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Safety Council and other agencies and organizations.