Missouri Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

Many Missourians prepare for the risk of bad winter weather by having their vehicles checked, packing a winter driving kit, and watching the weather forecast to prepare for rough roads. However, winter weather can cause on-the-job injuries as well - and not only to workers whose jobs require them to drive.

According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), some common sources of on-the-job injuries during the winter season include:

• Frostbite. Frostbite occurs when the deep layers in the skin tissue begin to freeze. Its symptoms include waxy-white or pale skin and loss of feeling. The toes, fingers, nose, and ears are often the first parts affected by frostbite.
• Hypothermia. Hypothermia occurs when a person’s body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Uncontrollable shivering indicates hypothermia, and so do a slowing down of thought and speech, stumbling, and difficulty moving or handling tools.
• Snow and ice. Snow and ice can cause slip and fall injuries and motor vehicle accidents. Injuries from large loads of snow or ice chunks falling off roofs or other structures can also occur.
• Downed power lines. Any winter storm can knock down power lines, and Missouri energy workers are often required to fix them - in some cases, before a storm has ended. Electrocution is a risk, as well as falls or being struck by a falling pole, line, or other equipment.