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During a frigid Ottawa winter in 2016, a massive wall of ice, which one worker described as a “frozen waterfall”, formed at a construction site. The ice wall loomed above workers and tragically claimed the life of 24-year-old Olivier Bruneau when an ice chunk fell from and struck him.
This was just weeks after another worker at the same construction site, Anthony House, was injured by ice from the same wall. "I don't ever want to work in a deep excavation again," House told the CBC. "I've never been the same."
While this is just one example of what can go wrong for workers in cold environments, it underscores how seriously your teen should be taking their safety while working in freezing conditions. Falling ice is its own hazard. Ice on the ground is another, posing slip, trip and fall concerns. Another risk is working in frigid temperatures, which can cause cold stress, hypothermia or other cold-related illnesses. Driving in icy conditions poses another hazard.
Help your child get ready to safely face the hazards of working in the cold by ensuring they are properly trained and aware of the risks.
1. Make sure they are aware of their health and safety rights
Your teen’s first step to staying safe is to ensure they are aware of their rights. Employers are required by law to take every reasonable precaution to protect the worker. In the case of the Ottawa workers, this means employers should have either removed the ice wall or given workers a safe space to work until the ice wall was removed. Workers also have the right to refuse unsafe work, without repercussions. Upon seeing the ice wall, the Ottawa construction workers were well within their rights to refuse to work there until it was made safe to do so.
2. Make sure your teen is prepared for the cold and aware of their options
If your teen will be working in the cold, they should be trained on how to identify early signs and symptoms of cold stress (fatigue, confusion, disorientation, excessive shivering, and loss of coordination) so they can immediately get to a designated warm up zone. This can be avoided by dressing for the temperature they will be working in.
Dressing for the cold requires layering and choosing the right fabrics for the best possible insulation. Providing your teen with base layers that are made of wool, silk or synthetic material (no cotton!) to keep moisture away from the body is essential. A middle layer of wool or synthetic materials will hold heat in and an outer layer will provide protection from wet and windy conditions. They’ll also need a good hat, neck warmer/face covering, insulated gloves and warm, waterproof boots. Ensure your teen’s cold weather clothing does not reduce visibility.
On top of dressing for the chilly weather, your teen should also be provided with information from their employer about cold safety at work. They should be made aware of how often they will get a break, where they can go to warm up, and first aid procedures. They should also find out if (and when) portable heaters or wind guards are required on the job.
3. Slips, trips and falls
Slips, trips and falls are common at work (especially in icy conditions) and can result in serious injuries. Ontario employers are required to tell workers and supervisors about any slip, trip, or fall hazards at work—including providing signage icy areas. Employers are required to keep floors free of obstructions, hazards, and refuse—including snow and ice. And your teen should wear appropriate slip-proof footwear.
4. Safe driving in icy or cold temperatures
If part of the job involves driving in ice, snow and slush, your teen can prepare to stay safe on the road by packing an emergency car kit. The kit should include sand or salt, windshield washer fluid, jumper cables, road flares and a tow rope (and it’s great to include warm clothes, non-perishable snacks and water in case they get stuck for a long period of time). They should also adjust for winter conditions by driving slowly, using winter tires, and clearing all snow from their vehicle. A full tank of gas or a full charge and ensuring they have sufficient windshield washer fluid is also essential. If visibility becomes poor, they should find a place to safely pull off the road as soon as possible.
When all else fails, your teen should always remember their right to refuse unsafe work. If they feel unsafe driving in poor conditions, they can simply say no until it is safe to get back on the road.
5. Don’t forget indoor jobs that involve working in cold areas
When we think of working in the cold, we often imagine winter jobs, but there are plenty of indoor jobs with cold hazards. If your teen is working in a restaurant with a walk-in freezer, a warehouse with doors open to the elements, at an ice rink or a winery or brewery, they’ll also be exposed to risks similar to outdoor winter work. Don’t forget that your teen will need to apply the same safety precautions in these positions as they would outdoors in the winter.
From outdoor construction sites to indoor spaces like walk-in freezers or warehouses with open doors, your teen will benefit from proper training, awareness of their rights and job hazards and preparation for the unique challenges posed by frigid conditions.
Whether facing falling ice, slip hazards, or driving challenges, your teen can navigate these risks effectively, with the right training and preparation.