Protect Yourself in Cold Weather

With the current extreme cold temperatures, it is critical to protect yourself!

According to the National Weather Service <http://www.weather.gov/> , frostbite can occur within 5 minutes in temperatures between 0 degrees and -19 degrees Fahrenheit.

 Protective Clothing is the most important way to avoid cold stress. The type of fabric also makes a difference. Cotton loses its insulation value when it becomes wet. Wool, silk and most synthetics, on the other hand, retain their insulation even when wet. The following are recommendations for working in cold environments:

 

*             Wear at least three layers of clothing. An inner layer of wool, silk or synthetic to wick moisture away from the body. A middle layer of wool or synthetic to provide insulation even when wet. An outer wind and rain protection layer that allows some ventilation to prevent overheating.

*             Wear a hat or hood. Up to 40% of body heat can be lost when the head is left exposed.

*             Wear insulated boots or other footwear.

*             Keep a change of dry clothing available in case work clothes become wet.

*             With the exception of the wicking layer do not wear tight clothing. Loose clothing allows better ventilation of heat away from the body.

*             Do not underestimate the wetting effects of perspiration. Oftentimes wicking and venting of the body's sweat and heat are more important than protecting from rain or snow.

 

For additional information click on the links below:

https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/emergencypreparedness/guides/cold.html

http://www.osha.gov/dts/weather/winter_weather/index.html

 

Stay warm!

Have you made your Personal Safety Commitment?

**If you have not recieved your Personal Safety Commiment; please speak with your supervisor

 

At Furmanite “Safety Above all Else” is not just a core value that is engrained in our company culture; it is a duty; an obligation and an expectation of every member of our team!  Members from the Furmanite team from around the globe have worked together to develop a Personal Safety Commitment that demonstrates our collective duty to the Orange Code and Safety Above All Else.  This commitment should be a genuine affirmation from every one of us and not just a signature on a piece of paper; we should set the example for all others in our industry to follow!  

The word commitment is defined as “the attitude of someone who works very hard to do or support something”.  Behaviors are often driven by our attitudes and if our attitude is one that we are truly committed to safety then our positive behavior will be clear.  This is an individual choice that each of us has to make each and every day; making the right choice can positively affect ourselves, our families, our co-workers, our Company, our clients and our environment.  

The Personal Safety Commitment letter has listed 8 different line items that are deemed critical to the well-being of all Furmanite employees.  Please read, sign and return the Personal  Safety Commitment to your supervisor; your Supervisor will review the commitment letter with you and answer any questions you may have.

Join the commitment being made by our whole team to demonstrate what it truly means to put “Safety Above All Else”. Attached are the Personal Safety Commitment letters from the Executive Leadership Team and the Supervisors implementation instructions.