When it comes to the temperature of your warehouse, you are largely at the mercy of the current outdoor temperature. Large expanses of cold concrete floors, high ceilings, little to no insulation, and frequently opened bay doors all add up to a bone-chilling work environment during winter months.
Potential problems
The cold weather brings many problems.
- Hypothermia: Without equipment like cart pullers, workers sweat more and increase heat loss. Hypothermia can kill quickly and older employees are at high risk in any environment below body temperature.
- Chilbains: The tissue damage can be acute, lasting 1 to 2 weeks, or chronic and cause permanent damage. It occurs subtly and even minor cases cause lifelong sensitivity.
- Equipment damage: Machines may freeze up and the melting ice or high moisture can damage electronic components.
Preventing problems
You can easily avoid some serious conditions.
- Prepare your equipment by covering any metal handles or bars with an insulating material.
- When purchasing new material movement equipment, choose machines that can be easily operated while wearing bulky clothes and gloves.
- Educate employees about potential problems and symptoms of overexposure.
- When someone works up a sweat, they are at higher risk of cold-related health problems. Use ergonomic material moving equipment and be sure everyone takes frequent breaks in a warm area.
Regardless of your industry or the size of your warehouse, DJ Products can help you operate safer and be more productive throughout the year. Call 800.686.2651 to discuss your equipment needs with one of our courteous and knowledgeable Sales Engineers.