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NewsIndustry NewsVehicle inspector requirementsAnnual inspections - Motor CarrierIn-Depth ArticleUSAEnglishFocus AreaCMV Inspections
September
Bringing annual inspections in-house: A smart option for motor carriers
Many motor carriers rely on outside repair facilities to perform their required annual vehicle inspections. However, federal regulations allow carriers to conduct these inspections in their own maintenance facilities, provided they use properly qualified inspectors and maintain the required documentation. For fleets with an established shop operation, bringing annual inspections in-house can improve compliance, reduce costs, and provide greater control over vehicle maintenance programs.[PC1.1] Under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, most commercial motor vehicles must undergo a periodic inspection at least once every 12 months. These inspections must meet the requirements found in 49 CFR 396.17 and the inspection criteria established in Part 393 and Appendix A to Part 396. Carriers are not required to outsource this process. Qualified employees can perform annual inspections in the carrier's own shop.
Key benefits of internal inspection programs
One of the primary benefits of conducting annual inspections internally is scheduling flexibility. Instead of waiting for service appointments at outside facilities, carriers can inspect vehicles as they become due, reducing downtime and helping prevent expiration-related violations. In-house inspections can also reduce inspection expenses, improve maintenance oversight, and allow fleets to identify defects before they become costly roadside violations or out-of-service conditions.
How do I choose the right inspector?
We often get questions about what certifications a mechanic must have to perform annual inspections. The FMCSA does not outline or require any specific certifications. To perform annual inspections, carriers must ensure inspectors meet the qualification requirements outlined in 49 CFR 396.19. Qualified inspectors must:
- Understand the inspection criteria contained in Part 393 and Appendix A;
- Be knowledgeable in the methods, tools, procedures, and equipment used during inspections; and
- Qualify through either a federal or state-sponsored training program, a state-issued inspection certification, or a combination of training and experience totaling at least one year.
Recordkeeping
Inspector qualification documentation is often overlooked. FMCSA requires carriers to retain evidence of an inspector's qualifications for the period the individual performs annual inspections and for one additional year after they stop performing inspections. Training certificates, resumes, employment records, and experience documentation are commonly used to demonstrate compliance. This documentation can be stored separately from the mechanic’s employment file. During a compliance review, audit, or investigation, this documentation will likely be requested.
Tracking inspection due dates and records
Carriers should also establish a reliable process for tracking inspection due dates and inspector qualification records. Many fleets use maintenance management software or electronic compliance systems that automatically generate reminders before annual inspections expire. Others maintain spreadsheets that track inspection dates and inspector credentials. Regardless of the method used, proactive tracking helps prevent lapses that can result in violations during audits or roadside inspections.
Annual inspection reports must also be retained. Under 49 CFR 396.21, carriers must keep the inspection report for at least 14 months from the date of inspection. The report must be available upon request and maintained where the vehicle is housed or maintained.
Key to remember: With the proper foundation in place, in-house annual inspections can become an efficient and cost-effective component of a carrier's overall maintenance and compliance strategy.
Keep reading...Show less
2026-10-02T05:00:00Z
NewsGreenhouse GasesIndustry NewsAir EmissionsEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA)CAA ComplianceEnvironmentalIn-Depth ArticleFocus AreaEnglishAir ProgramsStationary Emission SourcesUSA
Repealing GHG emission standards for power plants: Reasons why and how to respond
Federal regulations restrict air emissions of specific substances from fossil fuel-fired power plants. However, with most of the requirements under one rule recently repealed, these power plants can breathe a little easier when it comes to compliance.
In its continued deregulatory efforts, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) repealed a majority of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission requirements established by the 2024 Carbon Pollution Standards (CPS). Issued on September 17, 2026, the final rule provides a range of reasons for repealing the affected standards.
Use this guide to help you understand EPA’s recent partial repeal of the 2024 CPS (including the reasons behind it) and how facilities should respond.
Is my facility impacted?
The final rule’s rollback of GHG emission standards applies to fossil fuel-fired power plants, specifically:
- Fossil fuel-fired electric utility steam generating units, and
- Stationary combustion turbine electric generating units (EGUs).
Which requirements were removed?
The agency’s final rule repeals:
- All 2024 CPS emission guidelines for existing coal-, oil-, and natural gas-fired steam generating units (40 CFR Part 60 Subpart UUUUb in its entirety);
- The 2024 CPS carbon capture and sequestration/storage (CCS)-based requirements for coal-fired steam generating units undertaking a large modification (Part 60 Subpart TTTTa); and
- The 2024 CPS CCS-based standards for new base load stationary combustion turbines (Part 60 Subpart TTTTa).
Affected facilities no longer have to comply with the repealed GHG mitigation measures set by the 2024 CPS.
Why did EPA repeal these GHG emission standards?
The final rule states that the agency based its decision on a reevaluation of the best systems of emission reduction (BSERs) established by the 2024 CPS. The Clean Air Act requires EPA to base performance standards on BSERs that are adequately demonstrated. Once BSERs are established, EPA then sets emission requirements based on the application of the BSERs.
The 2024 CPS required:
- Existing long-term fossil fuel-fired EGUs to comply with an emission limit based on implementing a BSER of 90 percent CCS of carbon dioxide by January 1, 2032;
- Existing medium-term EGUs (i.e., units committed to stop operations by 2039) to comply with an emission limit based on implementing a BSER of 40 percent natural gas co-firing by January 1, 2030;
- Natural gas- and oil-fired EGUs to implement certain BSERs (including routine methods of operation and maintenance for intermediate load units and uniform fuels for low load units); and
- New base load stationary combustion turbines to comply with phase 2 standards based on a BSER of 90 percent CCS of carbon dioxide by January 1, 2032.
90 percent CCS
EPA determined that 90 percent CCS isn’t the BSER for long-term coal-fired steam generating units because:
- The BSER hasn’t been adequately demonstrated;
- The BSER imposes unreasonable costs; and
- The infrastructure needed to comply with the BSER likely can’t be deployed by the January 1, 2032, compliance date (which means the degree of emission limitation wouldn’t be achievable).
Additionally, EPA determined that 90 percent CCS isn’t the BSER for coal-fired steam generating units undertaking a large modification because the BSER hasn’t been adequately demonstrated and imposes unreasonable costs.
40 percent natural gas co-firing
The agency determined that 40 percent co-firing with natural gas isn’t the BSER for existing medium-term coal-fired steam generating units because it constitutes generation shifting (which the Supreme Court ruled impermissible in West Virginia v. EPA (2022)). Generation shifting refers to a forced shift of nationwide electricity generation from one source to another. In this case, the natural gas co-firing standard would require coal-fired boilers to use natural gas, a completely different fuel source.
It also found that this BSER would have adverse impacts on the energy system, and the infrastructure needed to comply with the BSER likely can’t be deployed by the January 1, 2030, compliance date (which means the degree of emission limitation wouldn’t be achievable).
Natural gas- and oil-fired steam generating unit requirements
EPA also determined that the BSERs for natural gas- and oil-fired steam generating units are unnecessary.
It concluded that:
- Requiring states to develop, submit, and implement plans only for natural gas- and oil-fired steam generating units would be an inefficient use of state resources because these units account for a small part of the source category, and
- The BSERs would result in little or no emission reductions.
Phase 2 standards
Finally, the agency determined that 90 percent CCS isn’t the BSER for new base load stationary combustion turbines because:
- The BSER hasn’t been adequately demonstrated;
- The BSER imposes unreasonable costs; and
- The infrastructure needed to comply with the BSER likely can’t be deployed by the January 1, 2032, compliance date (which means the degree of emission limitation wouldn’t be achievable).
How should facilities respond?
Consider these tips to help your facility determine how it may be affected by EPA’s repeal of these federal GHG emission standards:
- Determine if your facility is subject to any regulations established by the 2024 CPS.
- If so, verify whether any of the repealed federal GHG emission standards applied to your facility.
- If any of the repealed federal GHG emission standards applied, evaluate the possible impacts on your facility’s operations.
- Adjust operations and processes as needed.
- Don’t forget to check state requirements! Most air emission permits are issued by state or local air agencies. State regulations must be at least as stringent as federal requirements, but they could also be stricter. Confirm GHG emission standards with your permitting authority.
Key to remember: EPA has repealed a majority of the GHG emission requirements established by the 2024 Carbon Pollution Standards rule.
Keep reading...Show less
2026-10-02T05:00:00Z
NewsGreenhouse GasesIndustry NewsAir EmissionsEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA)CAA ComplianceEnvironmentalIn-Depth ArticleFocus AreaEnglishAir ProgramsStationary Emission SourcesUSA
Repealing GHG emission standards for power plants: Reasons why and how to respond
Federal regulations restrict air emissions of specific substances from fossil fuel-fired power plants. However, with most of the requirements under one rule recently repealed, these power plants can breathe a little easier when it comes to compliance.
In its continued deregulatory efforts, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) repealed a majority of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission requirements established by the 2024 Carbon Pollution Standards (CPS). Issued on September 17, 2026, the final rule provides a range of reasons for repealing the affected standards.
Use this guide to help you understand EPA’s recent partial repeal of the 2024 CPS (including the reasons behind it) and how facilities should respond.
Is my facility impacted?
The final rule’s rollback of GHG emission standards applies to fossil fuel-fired power plants, specifically:
- Fossil fuel-fired electric utility steam generating units, and
- Stationary combustion turbine electric generating units (EGUs).
Which requirements were removed?
The agency’s final rule repeals:
- All 2024 CPS emission guidelines for existing coal-, oil-, and natural gas-fired steam generating units (40 CFR Part 60 Subpart UUUUb in its entirety);
- The 2024 CPS carbon capture and sequestration/storage (CCS)-based requirements for coal-fired steam generating units undertaking a large modification (Part 60 Subpart TTTTa); and
- The 2024 CPS CCS-based standards for new base load stationary combustion turbines (Part 60 Subpart TTTTa).
Affected facilities no longer have to comply with the repealed GHG mitigation measures set by the 2024 CPS.
Why did EPA repeal these GHG emission standards?
The final rule states that the agency based its decision on a reevaluation of the best systems of emission reduction (BSERs) established by the 2024 CPS. The Clean Air Act requires EPA to base performance standards on BSERs that are adequately demonstrated. Once BSERs are established, EPA then sets emission requirements based on the application of the BSERs.
The 2024 CPS required:
- Existing long-term fossil fuel-fired EGUs to comply with an emission limit based on implementing a BSER of 90 percent CCS of carbon dioxide by January 1, 2032;
- Existing medium-term EGUs (i.e., units committed to stop operations by 2039) to comply with an emission limit based on implementing a BSER of 40 percent natural gas co-firing by January 1, 2030;
- Natural gas- and oil-fired EGUs to implement certain BSERs (including routine methods of operation and maintenance for intermediate load units and uniform fuels for low load units); and
- New base load stationary combustion turbines to comply with phase 2 standards based on a BSER of 90 percent CCS of carbon dioxide by January 1, 2032.
90 percent CCS
EPA determined that 90 percent CCS isn’t the BSER for long-term coal-fired steam generating units because:
- The BSER hasn’t been adequately demonstrated;
- The BSER imposes unreasonable costs; and
- The infrastructure needed to comply with the BSER likely can’t be deployed by the January 1, 2032, compliance date (which means the degree of emission limitation wouldn’t be achievable).
Additionally, EPA determined that 90 percent CCS isn’t the BSER for coal-fired steam generating units undertaking a large modification because the BSER hasn’t been adequately demonstrated and imposes unreasonable costs.
40 percent natural gas co-firing
The agency determined that 40 percent co-firing with natural gas isn’t the BSER for existing medium-term coal-fired steam generating units because it constitutes generation shifting (which the Supreme Court ruled impermissible in West Virginia v. EPA (2022)). Generation shifting refers to a forced shift of nationwide electricity generation from one source to another. In this case, the natural gas co-firing standard would require coal-fired boilers to use natural gas, a completely different fuel source.
It also found that this BSER would have adverse impacts on the energy system, and the infrastructure needed to comply with the BSER likely can’t be deployed by the January 1, 2030, compliance date (which means the degree of emission limitation wouldn’t be achievable).
Natural gas- and oil-fired steam generating unit requirements
EPA also determined that the BSERs for natural gas- and oil-fired steam generating units are unnecessary.
It concluded that:
- Requiring states to develop, submit, and implement plans only for natural gas- and oil-fired steam generating units would be an inefficient use of state resources because these units account for a small part of the source category, and
- The BSERs would result in little or no emission reductions.
Phase 2 standards
Finally, the agency determined that 90 percent CCS isn’t the BSER for new base load stationary combustion turbines because:
- The BSER hasn’t been adequately demonstrated;
- The BSER imposes unreasonable costs; and
- The infrastructure needed to comply with the BSER likely can’t be deployed by the January 1, 2032, compliance date (which means the degree of emission limitation wouldn’t be achievable).
How should facilities respond?
Consider these tips to help your facility determine how it may be affected by EPA’s repeal of these federal GHG emission standards:
- Determine if your facility is subject to any regulations established by the 2024 CPS.
- If so, verify whether any of the repealed federal GHG emission standards applied to your facility.
- If any of the repealed federal GHG emission standards applied, evaluate the possible impacts on your facility’s operations.
- Adjust operations and processes as needed.
- Don’t forget to check state requirements! Most air emission permits are issued by state or local air agencies. State regulations must be at least as stringent as federal requirements, but they could also be stricter. Confirm GHG emission standards with your permitting authority.
Key to remember: EPA has repealed a majority of the GHG emission requirements established by the 2024 Carbon Pollution Standards rule.
Keep reading...Show less
2026-10-02T05:00:00Z
NewsGreenhouse GasesIndustry NewsAir EmissionsEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA)CAA ComplianceEnvironmentalIn-Depth ArticleFocus AreaEnglishAir ProgramsStationary Emission SourcesUSA
Repealing GHG emission standards for power plants: Reasons why and how to respond
Federal regulations restrict air emissions of specific substances from fossil fuel-fired power plants. However, with most of the requirements under one rule recently repealed, these power plants can breathe a little easier when it comes to compliance.
In its continued deregulatory efforts, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) repealed a majority of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission requirements established by the 2024 Carbon Pollution Standards (CPS). Issued on September 17, 2026, the final rule provides a range of reasons for repealing the affected standards.
Use this guide to help you understand EPA’s recent partial repeal of the 2024 CPS (including the reasons behind it) and how facilities should respond.
Is my facility impacted?
The final rule’s rollback of GHG emission standards applies to fossil fuel-fired power plants, specifically:
- Fossil fuel-fired electric utility steam generating units, and
- Stationary combustion turbine electric generating units (EGUs).
Which requirements were removed?
The agency’s final rule repeals:
- All 2024 CPS emission guidelines for existing coal-, oil-, and natural gas-fired steam generating units (40 CFR Part 60 Subpart UUUUb in its entirety);
- The 2024 CPS carbon capture and sequestration/storage (CCS)-based requirements for coal-fired steam generating units undertaking a large modification (Part 60 Subpart TTTTa); and
- The 2024 CPS CCS-based standards for new base load stationary combustion turbines (Part 60 Subpart TTTTa).
Affected facilities no longer have to comply with the repealed GHG mitigation measures set by the 2024 CPS.
Why did EPA repeal these GHG emission standards?
The final rule states that the agency based its decision on a reevaluation of the best systems of emission reduction (BSERs) established by the 2024 CPS. The Clean Air Act requires EPA to base performance standards on BSERs that are adequately demonstrated. Once BSERs are established, EPA then sets emission requirements based on the application of the BSERs.
The 2024 CPS required:
- Existing long-term fossil fuel-fired EGUs to comply with an emission limit based on implementing a BSER of 90 percent CCS of carbon dioxide by January 1, 2032;
- Existing medium-term EGUs (i.e., units committed to stop operations by 2039) to comply with an emission limit based on implementing a BSER of 40 percent natural gas co-firing by January 1, 2030;
- Natural gas- and oil-fired EGUs to implement certain BSERs (including routine methods of operation and maintenance for intermediate load units and uniform fuels for low load units); and
- New base load stationary combustion turbines to comply with phase 2 standards based on a BSER of 90 percent CCS of carbon dioxide by January 1, 2032.
90 percent CCS
EPA determined that 90 percent CCS isn’t the BSER for long-term coal-fired steam generating units because:
- The BSER hasn’t been adequately demonstrated;
- The BSER imposes unreasonable costs; and
- The infrastructure needed to comply with the BSER likely can’t be deployed by the January 1, 2032, compliance date (which means the degree of emission limitation wouldn’t be achievable).
Additionally, EPA determined that 90 percent CCS isn’t the BSER for coal-fired steam generating units undertaking a large modification because the BSER hasn’t been adequately demonstrated and imposes unreasonable costs.
40 percent natural gas co-firing
The agency determined that 40 percent co-firing with natural gas isn’t the BSER for existing medium-term coal-fired steam generating units because it constitutes generation shifting (which the Supreme Court ruled impermissible in West Virginia v. EPA (2022)). Generation shifting refers to a forced shift of nationwide electricity generation from one source to another. In this case, the natural gas co-firing standard would require coal-fired boilers to use natural gas, a completely different fuel source.
It also found that this BSER would have adverse impacts on the energy system, and the infrastructure needed to comply with the BSER likely can’t be deployed by the January 1, 2030, compliance date (which means the degree of emission limitation wouldn’t be achievable).
Natural gas- and oil-fired steam generating unit requirements
EPA also determined that the BSERs for natural gas- and oil-fired steam generating units are unnecessary.
It concluded that:
- Requiring states to develop, submit, and implement plans only for natural gas- and oil-fired steam generating units would be an inefficient use of state resources because these units account for a small part of the source category, and
- The BSERs would result in little or no emission reductions.
Phase 2 standards
Finally, the agency determined that 90 percent CCS isn’t the BSER for new base load stationary combustion turbines because:
- The BSER hasn’t been adequately demonstrated;
- The BSER imposes unreasonable costs; and
- The infrastructure needed to comply with the BSER likely can’t be deployed by the January 1, 2032, compliance date (which means the degree of emission limitation wouldn’t be achievable).
How should facilities respond?
Consider these tips to help your facility determine how it may be affected by EPA’s repeal of these federal GHG emission standards:
- Determine if your facility is subject to any regulations established by the 2024 CPS.
- If so, verify whether any of the repealed federal GHG emission standards applied to your facility.
- If any of the repealed federal GHG emission standards applied, evaluate the possible impacts on your facility’s operations.
- Adjust operations and processes as needed.
- Don’t forget to check state requirements! Most air emission permits are issued by state or local air agencies. State regulations must be at least as stringent as federal requirements, but they could also be stricter. Confirm GHG emission standards with your permitting authority.
Key to remember: EPA has repealed a majority of the GHG emission requirements established by the 2024 Carbon Pollution Standards rule.
Keep reading...Show less
2026-10-02T05:00:00Z
NewsIndustry NewsEnglishHeat and Cold ExposureSafety & HealthConstruction SafetyGeneral Industry SafetyAgriculture SafetyIn-Depth ArticleExtreme Temperature PreparationHeat and Cold ExposureCold StressFocus AreaUSA
Cold Weather? Snow problem, we have a plan!
That chill in the air is a sure sign that winter is arriving before many of us are ready. One day it's a comfortable commute, and the next you're scraping ice off your windshield before sunrise. While you can't control the weather, you can prepare for it. From navigating slick roads during your commute and dressing appropriately for the cold to keeping an eye on changing weather and worksite hazards, winter readiness starts with awareness and a few practical precautions.
Winter roads ahead
Before winter weather arrives, take a few minutes to make sure your vehicle is ready for the season. Good tire tread and proper tire pressure help improve traction, handling, and braking on snow-covered or icy roads. Since tire pressure often drops as temperatures fall, checking it regularly can help keep your vehicle performing safely. It's also important to ensure your heater and defroster are in good working order because a warm vehicle and a clear windshield make winter driving not just safer, but more comfortable as well.
When frost, ice, or snow cover your vehicle, resist the temptation to clear a small viewing area and call it good. Taking a few extra minutes to completely clear the windshield, windows, mirrors, lights, and roof can significantly improve visibility and prevent snow or ice from blowing onto your windshield or another driver's vehicle. Once you're on the road, slow down, increase following distance, and remember that bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas often freeze first. Winter driving isn't about reacting to conditions; it's about anticipating them. A little preparation before you shift into drive can help ensure you arrive safely, no matter what winter has planned for your commute.
Dress for the deep freeze
Winter isn’t the best time for a fashion show, nor do you have to dress to the point you can't move like Randy from A Christmas Story. While it may be tempting to dash out the door in a light jacket because you'll "only be outside for a minute," winter has a way of extending those minutes unexpectedly. Whether you're commuting, working outdoors, or simply walking across a parking lot, proper cold-weather clothing can help protect against cold stress, frostbite, and other winter hazards.
The secret to winter protection is layering. A moisture-wicking base layer helps keep sweat away from the body, insulating middle layers help retain heat, and an outer layer protects against wind, snow, and moisture. Don't forget the areas most likely to lose heat, including the head, hands, feet, and ears. Hats, gloves, insulated footwear, and warm socks can make a significant difference when temperatures drop. Workers who spend extended periods outdoors should also take regular breaks in warm areas and monitor themselves and coworkers for signs of cold-related illnesses.
Keep your head in the game
Winter hazards aren't always obvious, so situational awareness is one of the best tools you can carry through winter. While snow-covered sidewalks and icy parking lots tend to grab our attention, black ice, reduced visibility, gusty winds, and rapidly changing weather can be just as dangerous. Situational awareness is one of the best tools you can carry through winter. Slow down, pay attention to changing conditions, and take a moment to identify potential hazards before they trip you up.
Situational awareness also means recognizing when conditions require a different approach. A routine task may need extra precautions when surfaces are wet, icy, or snow-covered. Watch for uneven footing, blocked walkways, reduced visibility around vehicles and equipment, and signs of cold stress in yourself and your coworkers. Just as importantly, speak up when conditions don't seem safe. Winter may have a few surprises up its sleeve, but staying alert and adapting to changing conditions can help keep those surprises from becoming incidents.
Key to remember: Taking time now to plan for winter driving conditions, gather appropriate cold-weather clothing, and be more aware of changing surroundings can help employees stay safe both on the road and on the job.
Keep reading...Show less
2026-10-02T05:00:00Z
NewsIndustry NewsEnglishHeat and Cold ExposureSafety & HealthConstruction SafetyGeneral Industry SafetyAgriculture SafetyIn-Depth ArticleExtreme Temperature PreparationHeat and Cold ExposureCold StressFocus AreaUSA
Cold Weather? Snow problem, we have a plan!
That chill in the air is a sure sign that winter is arriving before many of us are ready. One day it's a comfortable commute, and the next you're scraping ice off your windshield before sunrise. While you can't control the weather, you can prepare for it. From navigating slick roads during your commute and dressing appropriately for the cold to keeping an eye on changing weather and worksite hazards, winter readiness starts with awareness and a few practical precautions.
Winter roads ahead
Before winter weather arrives, take a few minutes to make sure your vehicle is ready for the season. Good tire tread and proper tire pressure help improve traction, handling, and braking on snow-covered or icy roads. Since tire pressure often drops as temperatures fall, checking it regularly can help keep your vehicle performing safely. It's also important to ensure your heater and defroster are in good working order because a warm vehicle and a clear windshield make winter driving not just safer, but more comfortable as well.
When frost, ice, or snow cover your vehicle, resist the temptation to clear a small viewing area and call it good. Taking a few extra minutes to completely clear the windshield, windows, mirrors, lights, and roof can significantly improve visibility and prevent snow or ice from blowing onto your windshield or another driver's vehicle. Once you're on the road, slow down, increase following distance, and remember that bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas often freeze first. Winter driving isn't about reacting to conditions; it's about anticipating them. A little preparation before you shift into drive can help ensure you arrive safely, no matter what winter has planned for your commute.
Dress for the deep freeze
Winter isn’t the best time for a fashion show, nor do you have to dress to the point you can't move like Randy from A Christmas Story. While it may be tempting to dash out the door in a light jacket because you'll "only be outside for a minute," winter has a way of extending those minutes unexpectedly. Whether you're commuting, working outdoors, or simply walking across a parking lot, proper cold-weather clothing can help protect against cold stress, frostbite, and other winter hazards.
The secret to winter protection is layering. A moisture-wicking base layer helps keep sweat away from the body, insulating middle layers help retain heat, and an outer layer protects against wind, snow, and moisture. Don't forget the areas most likely to lose heat, including the head, hands, feet, and ears. Hats, gloves, insulated footwear, and warm socks can make a significant difference when temperatures drop. Workers who spend extended periods outdoors should also take regular breaks in warm areas and monitor themselves and coworkers for signs of cold-related illnesses.
Keep your head in the game
Winter hazards aren't always obvious, so situational awareness is one of the best tools you can carry through winter. While snow-covered sidewalks and icy parking lots tend to grab our attention, black ice, reduced visibility, gusty winds, and rapidly changing weather can be just as dangerous. Situational awareness is one of the best tools you can carry through winter. Slow down, pay attention to changing conditions, and take a moment to identify potential hazards before they trip you up.
Situational awareness also means recognizing when conditions require a different approach. A routine task may need extra precautions when surfaces are wet, icy, or snow-covered. Watch for uneven footing, blocked walkways, reduced visibility around vehicles and equipment, and signs of cold stress in yourself and your coworkers. Just as importantly, speak up when conditions don't seem safe. Winter may have a few surprises up its sleeve, but staying alert and adapting to changing conditions can help keep those surprises from becoming incidents.
Key to remember: Taking time now to plan for winter driving conditions, gather appropriate cold-weather clothing, and be more aware of changing surroundings can help employees stay safe both on the road and on the job.
Keep reading...Show less
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Copyright 2026 J. J. Keller & Associate, Inc. For re-use options please contact copyright@jjkeller.com or call 800-558-5011.