November 20, 2025 - Winter is coming, and with it comes new potential worksite hazards for utility workers. Lower temperatures, snow, ice, and shorter daylight hours can all present new challenges. To help end the year safely, we’d like to offer some tips on keeping everybody safe on the job.

First and foremost, we strongly encourage all workers to start every day off with a Job Site Safety Exchange (JSSE). Check in with the whole team and ask each other these simple questions:

• What’s changed since yesterday?

• What could hurt us today (people, equipment, environment, process)?

• What controls and PPE will we use?

• Who’s the stop-work caller if conditions shift?

Remember, every member on every job has stop-work authority if they notice unsafe conditions.

Then, go over this basic safety checklist:

• Inspect fall/arc-rated/winter PPE; replace worn gear

• Test CO alarms; check heater ventilation

• Stock salt/sand, shovels, absorbents in trucks/yards

• Verify gas monitors are calibrated and charged

• Review emergency contacts and storm kits

Finally, ensure everyone on the job is familiar with these 7 winter-weather safety focus points: 

1. Slips, Trips, Falls: Black ice, wet leaves, and mud—test footing, use three-point contact, and salt/sweep access paths.

2. Cold Stress & Wind: Layer up (moisture-wicking base), cover head/hands, rotate warming breaks, and hydrate. Watch for shivering, slurred speech, or fumbling—stop and warm up.

3. Driving & Time Change: Dawn/dusk glare and wildlife activity increase. Slow down in work zones, increase following distance, and perform a full circle-of-safety before moving any vehicle.

4. Carbon Monoxide Awareness: Never run engines, generators, or heaters in enclosed spaces. Test CO alarms in shops, garages, and crew trucks.

5. Energy Control (LO/TO): Holiday schedules and overtime raise error risks. Verify isolation, test for zero energy, and use a second check before removing locks/tags.

6. Confined Spaces & Trenches: Ventilate, monitor continuously, protect access/egress, and watch changing weather that can alter atmospheres or soil stability.

7. Fatigue Management: Mutual-aid and storm work spike hours. Use the buddy system, rotate critical tasks, and speak up if you’re not fit for duty.

If we all work together, stay sharp, and take responsibility for keeping one another safe, we’ll make it through the winter with fewer injuries and safer, healthier jobsites.