Security Guard Winter Safety Guide: 7 Major Hazards and How Training Keeps You Safe

Winter is challenging on many fronts. Icy conditions, extreme cold, and long hours patrolling outdoor areas can be dangerous for security guards. To add to that, frigid temperatures can freeze equipment, vehicle parts, gateways, and locks, but these are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

While we can’t bend Mother Nature to our whims, training helps guards prepare for what’s in store when the mercury drops.

Today, we’ll call out seven of the top winter hazards guards face and how training can mitigate the potential for injuries, not just for the guard, but also for the people and property they protect.

Top Winter Hazards in Security

Winter working conditions pose unique risks for security guards, potentially making the colder season more hazardous than any other time of year. We’ve curated the top seven, but there are plenty more based on factors unique to the post or property. Diligence and preparation always pay off, and training can help you identify challenging situations so you can get ahead of them.

1.     Cold stress

Cold stress can lead to frostbite and hypothermia. When the process starts to take hold, guards may not realize it’s happening until it’s too late.

Recognizing the warning signs is essential to prevent the situation from progressing, not just for yourself but also for your colleagues and coworkers. If any of these symptoms become apparent, you must get yourself out of the cold immediately to halt the progression:

·         Mild cold stress symptoms include shivering, impaired thinking, confusion, and grogginess.

·         Moderate symptoms are escalations of the above. Shivering becomes violent and pervasive, and you may be unable to think straight or focus on the task at hand. Breathing becomes shallower, speech may be slurred, and you may experience impaired coordination.

·         Severe symptoms include weak or irregular breathing and pulse, and may lead to loss of consciousness.

Depending on how severe the symptoms have become, the affected individual may need immediate medical attention.[i]

Here are a few tips to reduce the risk:

·         Dress appropriately for the weather. Don’t rely on your employer to provide proper winter clothing.

·         Reduce the length or number of outdoor patrols to limit outdoor time.

·         When possible, rotate posts so no one person is always outside.

·         Recognize symptoms in yourself and others and act accordingly. If needed, report these observations to your supervisor or operations center right away.

·         Check in regularly and on time to ensure someone always knows where you are.

2.     Slips and falls

Icy, snow-covered roads and walkways are a constant winter hazard for guards and the public. Additionally, shorter daylight hours may lead to darker areas, which may result in more slips and falls.

Guards can apply their situational awareness training to reduce the potential for injury. Visually scan the area for hazards and take action to prevent unnecessary injury.

Here are a few things you can do:

·         Use “wet floor” signs to denote a slippery area and report to maintenance if appropriate.

·         Salt icy walkways to prevent ice buildup.

·         Wear proper non-slip winter footwear. Consider cleats in icy conditions.

·         Avoid distractions (like cellphone use) when patrolling outdoors.

3.     Vehicle hazards

Just as ice, snow, and poor visibility can cause injuries on patrol, the same is true for moving vehicles. Black ice is a killer. Commutes are longer as road conditions impact how people drive. Some cars may not have proper snow tires, and less light may affect visibility.

While you can’t control what other drivers do, you can prioritize safety when in your own car or on patrol:

·         Vehicles should be well-maintained and equipped with proper snow tires.

·         Carry bags of salt, a shovel, and an extra gallon of winter windshield fluid, as they may come in handy to get yourself out of a jam – or to help others.

4.     Reduced visibility

Guards may experience reduced visibility while driving, but this is also a concern on job sites where winter light may reduce sightlines and create dark spots.

Prepare for low-light conditions by identifying areas where poor light may become a hazard. If possible, install low-light cameras in these areas or improve coverage with motion-activated lights.

Hone your observational techniques; scan your patrol areas more frequently and be on the lookout for even the slightest anomaly.

5.     Equipment malfunctions

Below-zero weather plays havoc with all kinds of equipment – even with machines meant to operate in the cold.

Battery life drains quickly in the cold, affecting cameras, communication devices, and even non-electric vehicles.

·         Modern handheld battery chargers are powerful enough to jump-start cars and should be kept handy and charged at all times.

·         Lock de-icer can save the day, loosening frozen locks and gates so people can keep moving.

·         Pre-winter seasonal maintenance helps to keep equipment running as it should in typical winter conditions.

6.     Power outages

Extreme weather and cold can result in (sometimes prolonged) power outages. In these instances, emergency power is essential for safety, visibility, and the operation of communications equipment.

Power outages can also take out alarm and surveillance systems, increasing the potential for crime.

Emergency preparedness training includes anticipating the unexpected. Gas generators, emergency lighting, and auxiliary power can be used to bridge the gaps and should be ready to switch to in moments of need.

On the job site, take the time to source these supports and access appropriate training to ensure you know how to use them. If your post lacks these tools, it may be prudent to suggest adding them to the inventory, as it may prevent loss and save lives.

7.     Ice and snow falling from buildings

Temperatures tend to fluctuate throughout the winter. A cold snap followed by a partial thaw may loosen ice sheets and icicles from buildings, sending them plunging toward the ground and possibly injuring passers-by.

While we can’t always easily remove these hazards, it is critical to steer clear and warn the public if they are in danger.

Cordon off hazardous areas, verbally warn people if they are in danger, and maintain vigilance to identify and remove hazards when humanly possible.

 

How Training Supports Guard Safety in the Winter

Key guard training courses that can support winter safety include the following:

Basic and Emergency First Aid can help you respond to emergencies with confidence.

Driver and Vehicle Safety supports safe driving practices.

Patrol Techniques help to hone your observational skills on patrol.

Situational Response (modules 1 & 2) covers emergency preparedness and proper response techniques.

Online training can be done at your own pace, and in many cases, your employer will either cover the cost or reimburse you after completion.

Training builds confidence and provides guards with the essential knowledge they need to stay safe year-round.

Browse our courses today, and let’s make this winter the safest on record!