Job safety is the number one concern at Maple Grove Enterprises. Steve Noel, MGE road supervisor and on-site safety coordinator, holds “job box” safety talks before work begins and after work ends every day. Always a stickler for safety, Steve ensures that every member of his crew is meeting or exceeding MGE safety guidelines, OSHA guidelines, and the facility’s own guidelines. While safety awareness at any time of year is important, it is especially critical during the winter months, when crews face sub-freezing temperatures.

According to OSHA, “when the body is unable to warm itself, cold related stress may result. This may include tissue damage and possibly death. Four factors contribute to cold stress: cold air temperatures, high velocity air movement, dampness of the air, and contact with cold water or surfaces. A cold environment forces the body to work harder to maintain its temperature. Cold air, water, and snow all draw heat from the body.” The most common problems induced by the cold are hypothermia and frostbite.

To prevent cold stress, Steve makes sure that his crew wears the appropriate gear to maintain their body warmth. This includes insulated gloves and boots and hard hat liners. Beyond personal warmth, other winter-related safety issues relate to icy conditions at the job site. Steve makes sure that they have sand, salt or cracked corn on hand to deal with the ice. He also makes sure that ladders, tools, and other job materials are kept under cover when not in use.

According to Steve, the twice-daily job box safety talks keep safety at the forefront of everyone’s mind, ensuring the safety of both our crews and our customers.