Winter Safety Starts with Preparation

January reminds us that winter doesn’t ease up once the calendar turns. Cold snaps, snow, ice, and unpredictable conditions are often at their peak, and for farmers, the work doesn’t slow down. Livestock still need daily care.
Grain still needs to be checked and moved. Equipment still needs attention. The best defense against winter’s challenges is preparation and awareness.

Taking time now to think through winter risks can help prevent injuries, reduce stress, and keep everyone safer during the toughest months of the season.

Heating Safety Matters
As temperatures drop, many homes and shops rely on additional heat sources. Space heaters and fireplaces can be dangerous if not used correctly. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heat sources and establish a clear, kid-free zone around heaters and fireplaces. Never leave heaters or open flames unattended, and always turn them off before sleeping.

Heating with anything other than a home furnace is one of the leading causes of winter house fires. Make sure working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are installed, especially in rooms where supplemental heat is used. If you plug in a space heater, avoid extension cords or power strips, which can overheat and create fire risks.

Watch Your Footing
Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common winter injuries. These often occur when snow or ice meets concrete or metal surfaces, especially around doorways, steps, tractors, and vehicles. Slow down, avoid rushing, and wear proper winter footwear. Ice traction devices can provide extra grip when conditions are slick.
Temperatures between 30 and 35 degrees can be especially dangerous, as melting snow creates an invisible layer of ice. Keep salt or a salt-sand mix on hand and treat walkways promptly after snow removal.

Snow Removal Safety
Clearing snow is necessary, but it brings its own risks. Muscle strains, frostbite, and even heart attacks are more common this time of year. Pace yourself, take breaks, and avoid overexertion.

Snow blowers and tractor-mounted equipment require extra caution. Never use your hands to clear a clogged auger or discharge spout. Always shut off equipment, disengage power sources, apply the PTO brake, and use a wooden or plastic tool to clear obstructions. These simple steps can prevent serious injuries.

Dress for the Conditions
Proper clothing is essential for winter work. Protect your head, hands, feet, neck, and core with layered clothing. Layers allow you to adjust as your activity level changes and help prevent sweating, which can increase the risk of cold-related injuries.

Watch for signs of hypothermia, including uncontrollable shivering, confusion, slurred speech, drowsiness, and exhaustion. Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms appear. Frostbite can develop quickly. If you notice numbness, pale or white skin, or loss of feeling, get out of the cold and warm up gradually. Avoid rubbing affected areas.

Winter Driving Awareness
January roads often demand extra caution. Slow down earlier than usual and increase following distances. Roads are often slickest near freezing temperatures, even more so than during extreme cold.
Prepare your vehicle for winter travel. Keep an ice scraper in the car, check tire tread and air pressure, top off windshield washer fluid, and replace worn wiper blades. Carry an extra coat or blanket in case of emergencies. Leave earlier than usual and turn on headlights when it’s snowing, as automatic lights don’t always activate. If you’re involved in an accident, stay in your vehicle until help arrives.

Preparation Makes the Difference
Winter brings enough challenges on its own. Taking simple precautions and planning ahead can prevent injuries and make difficult situations easier to manage. A little preparation goes a long way toward a safer, injury-free winter for you, your family, and your operation.
Stay safe and take care this winter.