Be Prepared for Hidden Dangers this Winter

As winter is kicking it into high gear it's important to be aware of the added risks that weather causes on and off the job. Winter risks aren't always directly associated with snow and ice. Here are a few hidden dangers to keep in mind this winter season.

• Heart Attack and Strokes - There are an estimated 53% more heart attacks in the winter than in the summer. This is true for all parts of the country, even those that do not receive any snow. It's the cold not just the snow that causes the heart to work harder.
• Electrocution due to downed power lines or downed objects in contact with power lines - Strong winds that often accompany winter storms can knock down trees, telephone poles and power lines. Ice can build up on utility poles and power lines and can disrupt communication and knock out power for days.
• Roof Collapse under Weight of Snow - The greatest danger of collapse due to snow load is to buildings with flat roofs. Buildings with flat roofs do not allow the snow to slide off. Pitched roofs can hold more weight and have a greater tendency for snow to slide off or allow the melted water to run off.
• Chimney Fires - Over time, creosote, the sticky residue from burning wood, can build up causing a potentially fiery situation. Birds nests and fallen leaves can also cause blockages, forcing smoke back into your home. When your chimney is not in use, make sure the flue is closed securely to cut back on drafts and wasted energy.
• Frozen Pipes - Without proper insulation, frozen pipes could leave you water-less or even fighting with a burst pipe. Make sure that any exposed pipes are insulated. Additionally, make sure to seal up any holes in the home near pipes that allow frigid winds to blow around them.
• Car Battery Failure and Tire pressure - Cold weather can impair an aging battery's ability to start your car, especially in below freezing temperatures. Car batteries should be replaced every 3 years. Cold temperatures also effect the level of your tire pressure. The change in atmospheric pressure cause tires with plenty of air in the summer to deflate slightly in the winter.
• Hypothermia - Hypothermia occurs when your body loses heat faster than it is able to produce it. Warning signs of hypothermia include increased shivering, slurred speech, impaired judgement, poor muscle coordination and in some cases even death. When having to be outside for long periods of time, it is important to dress appropriately. Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight clothing. Make sure to prepare with a outer jacket that repels water and protect your face and hands with hats, gloves and scarves.

SafetySkills is a leading provider for online safety training. To further protect yourself and employees this winter season, be sure to check out our Cold Stress in the Workplace course or Hazardous Driving Conditions.

Obama Faces Tough Keystone Pipeline Decision

President Obama is faced with the daunting predicament of keeping his campaign promises or maintaining a relationship with Canada. Obama must make a decision soon on allowing the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. This pipeline, if approved, will span 2,000 miles and connects Canadian oil sands to refineries in Houston and throughout the Gulf of Mexico. The proposed pipeline will reduce the United State's dependence on oil import and OPEC. Environmentalist disapprove of the pipeline because it will carry oil derived from toxic tar sands. 



Obama may lose the support of the environmental groups he won over while campaigning for re-election.  The approval of the pipeline would go against his environmental promises because of the carbon emissions caused by the production of tar sands oil. This decision may backtrack all of the environmental strides the President has made. For the Sierra Club and other environmental groups, they view the approval of the pipeline as a betrayal  and a contradiction to Obama's promises to make the climate change a top priority of his second term. 



Canada's government has stated that the country's economy, employment and national security will benefit from the Keystone project despite being widely protested by environmental groups. According to the New York Times, Canada has powerful allies in the United States labor movement, which is pushing for the pipeline because proponents say it would generate tens of thousands of jobs, and in big companies like Exxon Mobile and Chevron that are heavily invested in the oil sands fields. "The signal of a rejection of a permit by the president would be a significant change in the Canada - U.S. relationship," said Greg Stringham, the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers' vice president for oil sands and markets. 

Reuters sources say the decision may be delayed until June.