Seasonal safety: Winter

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With the holiday season underway, workers may be feeling festive and want to show it in the workplace. Follow these tips to help prevent injuries while decorating.

“Workers – both indoors and outdoors – in services, transportation, agriculture, construction and other industries may be exposed to environmental cold stress that can lead to thermal discomfort, and in some cases even severe injuries, illnesses or death,” NIOSH warns.

Raynaud’s phenomenon – sometimes called Raynaud’s syndrome or disease – is a disorder of blood circulation in the fingers and toes (and less commonly in the ears and nose). The cause: Several.

Fall means cold and flu season is almost upon us, and store shelves are lined with a variety of products made to treat common symptoms. But those medications can be toxic when not used properly, according to the American Association of Poison Control Centers.

Download this guide from Winter Walking to identify the best traction aids for your organization.

Washington — Citing the increased circulation of airborne viruses when temperatures drop, “indoor air quality in the workplace during cold weather is especially critical,” OSHA says in a new alert.

Arlington, VA — The Mine Safety and Health Administration has published a series of posters intended to help mine operators mitigate hazards that occur during winter months.

Washington — A new video from the Federal Aviation Administration highlights best practices for airport operators, air traffic controllers and pilots to follow to ensure safe operations amid snowy and icy conditions.

You may not know the name for it, but if you drive at night, you’ve probably experienced situational night blindness. It can occur “when you are temporarily blinded by a bright light such as an oncoming car’s headlights,” the Texas Department of Insurance says.

A thorough workplace safety and health plan should include steps to protect workers from cold-related hazards. This is particularly important for workers in the services, transportation, construction and agriculture industries.