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Safety Tips While Wearing Ice Cleats

yaktrax_walker As a business owner or safety director at your company, you’re naturally interested in reducing the number of slip-and-fall accidents among your employees this winter. The first step was taking advantage of the volume discount pricing available at CozyWinters to supply each worker with a pair of ice cleats. Now the next item on the agenda is to impart the following ice cleat safety tips to your employees at an upcoming team meeting or via internal memo:

Get in the habit of wearing ice cleats whenever walking outdoors—even if only for a few minutes—because accidents can happen at any time. (Employers may refer to the strategies outlined in our previous post on the topic for ideas on promoting and enforcing ice cleat usage.)
Walk with a normal gait and stride length when wearing ice cleats.
Use extra caution when walking on outdoor stairs and ramps, particularly if carrying packages or pushing a heavy load.
Remove ice cleats to climb ladders or traverse non-ice or non-snow surfaces, such as concrete, granite, or marble sidewalks and stairs.
Avoid stepping on manhole covers when wearing ice cleats or other snow traction devices.
Remove ice cleats prior to going into stores, office buildings, and restaurants since the studs or coils can damage some types of indoor flooring, including linoleum and carpeting, plus those surfaces can be slick to a pair of ice cleats.
Be sure to put ice cleats back on before heading outdoors again.
Periodically inspect ice cleats to ensure that the studs are still intact. Replace any damaged or broken studs immediately.

Ice cleats are the most affordable and cost effective tool for preventing employee slip-and-fall accidents. But winter traction devices only work if they are worn regularly and if proper safety protocols are followed, so take the time to educate your employees about the tips listed here.

Tips for a Better Ski Season

Are you going skiing for the first time ever this winter or are you returning to the slopes after a long absence? Did you get some new ski gear for Christmas that you’re looking to break in? If so, you might be tempted to book a room at the nearest lodge and get on the mountain as soon as possible. But rushing out before reviewing our tips could lead to discomfort, disappointment, or maybe even injury, so read on to learn how to enjoy a better ski season.

Give yourself time to acclimate to the environment
When spending several days at a ski resort, it would be a good idea to give your body time to adjust to the cold weather and higher altitude. Instead of skiing on the first day, try alternate activities such as taking in the sights, walking around town, or even running or stretching in the lodge gym. Then turn in early for a good night’s sleep to be sure you’re completely refreshed and ready to ski the next morning.

Use gift cards instead of carrying cash
These days many resorts offer gift cards that can be used for everything from equipment rentals to food and drinks. Gift cards are better than cash because they do not get soggy or unusable after being in your pocket all day long and are more convenient than credit cards because they don’t yield personal financial information if they get lost or stolen.

Pack light and pack well
No one wants to be encumbered with a bunch of suitcases as well as skis, poles, helmet, and boots, so pack light but well for your trip. To reduce bulk, wear battery heated apparel like our heated base layer, heated puffy vest with zip-on sleeves, heated socks, or heated gloves. And use our heated boot and glove dryer to ensure you don’t have to pack double the gear in order to have dry equipment every day.

Ask for resort packages, discounts, and coupons
Most resorts offer special deals—even during peak season—to entice skiers to their slopes. For example, some places will throw in free rentals when you book rooms, while others might give lodging and lift ticket discounts for large groups. A few resorts even provide checked baggage reimbursement vouchers for guests to offset the extra fees airlines typically charge for checking skis.

Keep safety in mind
Beginners should take lessons before attempting any run on their own, and regardless of skill level, nobody should try to get in “one last run” when they are tired or sore or the lighting or weather conditions are poor. For a successful ski trip, safety must remain a priority at all times.

Tips for Raynaud’s Sufferers

Raynaud’s disease (or Raynaud’s phenomenon) is a condition in which poor blood flow to the extremities results in coldness or numbness in the fingers and/or toes. Cold temperatures and stress exacerbate the effects, which means Raynaud’s sufferers can be especially uncomfortable in winter. And while the causes of the condition are not well understood, many treatment options are available, including prescription medication and, in the most severe cases, nerve surgery. Home remedies may also be effective in controlling symptoms, with the following management tips for Raynaud’s particularly encouraged:

Refrain from using tobacco products and do not expose yourself to secondhand cigarette smoke.
Limit or completely eliminate caffeine from your diet, as some studies have shown that this stimulant may restrict blood flow to the heart, brain, and extremities.
Protect fingers and toes when going outdoors in winter by wearing battery heated socks or gloves. Unlike ordinary gloves and socks, the battery heated apparel we have at CozyWinters come with variable heat settings that allow you to instantly crank up the warmth if temperatures drop unexpectedly.
Use heated slippers when walking around in the house to keep your toes warm even on cold flooring.
Replace ordinary blankets with electric blankets for consistent warming power all night long.
Consider using a heated foot warmer near your favorite couch or armchair and a heated floor mat in the kitchen to protect feet when relaxing or cooking.
When cooking, protect hands from cold or frozen meats and vegetables by wearing a thin pair of cotton gloves underneath a pair of disposable food preparation gloves. You can also keep a bowl of warm water standing by in case the gloves are not enough and you need to quickly warm your hands.
Soak hands and feet in warm water when you feel a flareup coming on, and then follow with a soothing moisturizer to prevent skin from cracking.
Monitor the frequency and severity of symptoms and flareups, and see your doctor if your condition begins to worsen.

If you suffer from Raynaud’s disease, you know how challenging it can be to complete even simple tasks like making dinner, going out for fresh air, or merely sleeping soundly through a winter’s night. Still, there are a variety of things you can do to manage your symptoms and live more comfortably, so give the above suggestions a try to prevent or alleviate future flareups.

Prevent Cold Stress With These Tips

Every winter, OSHA issues warnings about the dangers of cold stress, a condition caused by extended exposure to a combination of low temperatures, strong wind, and dampness/wetness.

Cold stress can take a variety of forms, but is usually characterized by shivering, tingling or loss of feeling in the extremities, loss of coordination, and confusion or disorientation. Depending on the length of exposure and severity of symptoms, cold stress can result in hypothermia, frostbite, and trench foot.

If you work outdoors, you can help prevent cold stress by taking proper precautions, including the following:

Check the day’s weather report before leaving home so you can have the latest information regarding temperature, wind chill, and projected storms.
Dress appropriately for the conditions you expect to face. Layering is always recommended in winter, and can be supplemented with battery heated clothing for additional warmth or waterproof gear to protect against snow and rain.
Take special care of your extremities with the help of battery heated gloves and heated socks to prevent frostbite.
Sip on warm, caffeine-free beverages or soups to maintain body temperature and energy levels.
Take frequent breaks indoors or in a sheltered area to give your body a chance to warm up and/or dry off.
Work in pairs whenever possible. If working alone, be sure to let someone know where you are and check in at regular intervals via cell phone or walkie-talkie to confirm your safety and well-being.
Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of hypothermia, frostbite, and general cold stress so you can recognize them when they begin to occur.
Know the treatment protocols for dealing with affected individuals while waiting for emergency personnel to arrive on the scene.

Whether plowing snow, working on a road crew, or repairing electrical lines, any kind of job that takes you outdoors in winter has the potential to result in cold stress. Stay safe by dressing for the weather, using battery heated apparel to protect your core and extremities, and employing the above tips where applicable.

How Much is Too Much to Spend on Employee Ice Cleats?

Some employers are highly resistant to the idea of spending money on safety gear such as ice cleats. They defend their position by saying there simply aren’t enough slip-and-fall accidents among employees or contractors to warrant the purchase or by saying it would cost too much. This leads us to ask: how much is too much to spend on employee ice cleats?

To get an answer relevant to your business, it’s important to check industry data regarding the total cost of the average slip-and-fall accident. This data is typically available through agencies like the Bureau of Labor Statistics as well as industry journals and publications, and should include everything from direct worker’s compensation claims to emergency room visits, follow-ups with doctors or therapists, lost work days, lost productivity, and similar expenses.

Once you have a rough idea of what a single slip-and-fall accident might cost (the BLS puts this figure at around $28,000) you can weigh it against the following:

The per-unit cost of ice cleats: You can purchase a single set of ice cleats from CozyWinters for as little as $11.95 with no minimum quantity required. We also offer government and corporate pricing for bulk orders, which reduces the per-unit cost even more. At that rate, you can protect more than 2,300 employees for less than the average cost of a single slip-and-fall claim.

Employee morale: Study after study shows that happy employees who feel appreciated by employers tend to be more productive, put forth better effort, and remain in their jobs longer, leading to greater revenues and profits for companies. One of the best ways to demonstrate just how much you value employees is to show genuine concern for their safety and to make accident prevention a company-wide priority.

By any reckoning, the negligible cost of ice cleats for employees is an investment that will pay off in terms of productivity, safety, profits, and overall morale. Visit CozyWinters today to place an order or contact us for more information on government and corporate discounts on ice cleats and other employee safety gear.

Electric Blanket Safety Tips

For the most part, electric blankets are a very safe and cost-effective way of providing warmth and comfort in winter. This is particularly true if the blankets have an automatic shut-off feature or run on low voltage like the models offered at CozyWinters.

But just as with any other electric appliance that plugs into a wall outlet, electric blankets must be used with care in order to avoid potential short-circuiting, overheating, burning, and similar problems. Toward that end, here are some common electric blanket safety tips to keep in mind when using your warming product this winter:

Read the manufacturer’s instructions and follow all recommendations regarding usage and care.
When plugged in and turned on, try to keep the blanket as flat as possible and avoid folding, creasing, or pinching the wires.
Do not use if the fabric is frayed or worn through or if the wires or heating elements are exposed.
Do not run the power cord or control cords under the mattress or under any rugs. Doing so could cause the protective coating to deteriorate, which would then leave the wires exposed.
Turn off the electric blanket when unattended.
Do not use electric blankets with infants, small children, or anyone insensitive to heat or unable to operate the controls on their own.
Do not use electric blankets on waterbeds or mechanically adjustable beds.
Be extra cautious when using electric blankets around pets, as the wires and cords may present chewing temptations.
Frequently inspect your electric blanket throughout the season to ensure that it hasn’t incurred any damage and is still capable of operating safely.

Now that below-freezing overnight temperatures are a regular occurrence, you’re likely turning to your electric blanket to help keep you warm while you sleep. As long as you use the product as intended and follow the above safety tips, you should be able to enjoy the coziness and comfort of your blanket without incident for many years to come.

2015 CozyWinters Holiday Gift Guide

Are you having trouble finding Christmas gifts that will be both used and appreciated by your loved ones? Then let our 2015 Holiday Gift Guide come to the rescue. We’ve taken the guesswork out of gift-giving by rounding up our most popular heating and warming products in a single list for your one-stop shopping convenience. Check them out right here:

For the workplace

Radiant heating panel: Wall or desk mountable, this heating panel provides safe, cost-effective warmth for legs and feet, perfect for a work space at the office.
Heated footrest: This footrest is angle-adjustable for comfort and emits gentle, radiant heat at a fraction of the cost of a regular space heater.
Ice cleats: Available in a variety of easy-on, easy-off styles, our ice cleats give the wearer extra traction while walking across parking lots, loading docks, and other outdoor areas.

For the outdoors

Battery heated puffy jacket: With three temperature settings and zip-off sleeves that offer two styles in one garment, this puffy jacket is perfect for extra warmth on blustery days.
Battery heated hand warmer: Ideal for keeping hands warm without gloves or mittens, this battery heated hand warmer has four heat settings, an adjustable buckle waist strap, and front pocket for keys and coins.
Battery heated socks: Prevent cold feet and toes with the help of battery heated socks. They are made of thin, moisture-wicking fabric to keep feet warm and dry without added bulk and can work for up to 10 hours on a single charge.

For the home

Heated towel warmer: What could be more luxurious than stepping out of the shower and into a fresh, warm towel? Nothing, so order this heated towel warmer and bring a 5-star hotel perk right to your recipient’s home.
Heated electric blankets and throws: Staying cozy without turning up the thermostat is a piece of cake when there are electric blankets on every bed and electric throws on every couch and armchair.
Heated pet beds: Do you have animal lovers on your list this year? Earn their sincere gratitude by remembering their pets with gifts like heated dog beds and heated cat beds for indoor or outdoor use.
Heated shoe and boot dryer: Extend the life of shoes and boots by using this dryer to gently dry footwear, kill odor-causing bacteria, and prevent mold and mildew.

All of these gifts, along with gift cards and much more, are available on the CozyWinters site, so shop now and order early to ensure on time delivery for the holidays!

Help Prevent Cold Feet This Winter

Cold feet are a common occurrence in winter. People of all ages may experience this condition from time to time, and the issue is usually solved by covering up with socks or slippers.

But sometimes cold feet are a symptom of a more serious problem such as poor circulation, hypothyroidism, chronic smoking, or excessive alcohol consumption. In these cases, ordinary socks and slippers might not be enough to warm you up, so we suggest using the following products to help prevent cold feet:

Heated socks: Perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to deal with bulky battery packs, our battery heated socks feature a slim fitting, rechargeable battery that snaps in at the top cuff of the socks. They also now come with the new Lenz Heat App, so you can regulate the heat and keep track of your battery charge with your smart phone!
Natural foot warmers: Made from alpaca wool, these inserts fit into any slipper, shoe, or boot to provide extra warmth without batteries or heat packs.
Heated indoor/outdoor slippers: If inserts aren’t enough for you, check out a pair of our heated slippers. They are suitable for indoor or outdoor use, operate via remote control, and can work for up to 10 hours on a single charge.
Electric foot-of-the-bed warmer: The right amount of overnight warmth is often difficult to come by, especially if you just want to focus on your feet. An electric foot-of-the-bed warmer solves this problem nicely by providing targeted warmth that won’t affect the rest of your body (or your partner).
Heated floor mats: Warming your feet and toes at work where you have no control over the thermostat is a challenge that can be overcome with the help of a heated floor mat. Available in several styles including carpeted or waterproof rubber, these mats give off radiant heat in a cost-efficient manner. Our Toasty Toes ergonomic heated footrest is great for under your desk and even adjusts into three positions for maximum comfort while you keep your feet cozy.

While it’s perfectly normal to get cold feet in winter, that doesn’t mean you have to accept the condition and suffer unnecessarily. Instead, visit the CozyWinters online store today to order one of the warming solutions listed above so you can live, work, and sleep in comfort.

How to Winterize Your Car

The subzero temperatures that hit most of the country from December to February are hard on the human body. This is why so many people use heated mattress pads and electric blankets on their beds and wear Gerbing Gyde heated apparel when they go outside in winter.

Well, those same freezing temperatures can be just as hard on cars, trucks, and SUVs, which is why your vehicle also requires special attention at this time of year. If you haven’t done so already, here’s how to winterize your car to protect it from the elements and keep it running smoothly:

Inspect your tires for visible signs of tread wear or other damage. If you drive in an area that gets a lot of snow, be sure to change your all-season tires to snow tires before the first storm.
Inflate all tires to the recommended level for winter driving as specified in your owner’s manual.
Confirm that your wiper blades are in excellent condition and replace if needed.
Check your vehicle’s critical oils and fluids, including engine oil, transmission fluid, and antifreeze, and top off or change as necessary.
Swap out your summer emergency kit for a winter version containing such things as sand or kitty litter to use for traction; battery-heated gloves and jacket; electric blanket or sleeping bag rated for subzero temperatures; and portable stove with fuel source.
Use heated seat pads or 12-volt heated travel throws in the cabin to keep the driver and passengers warm on longer trips.
Apply a rustproofing sealant to the undercarriage of your vehicle to protect against the damaging effects of road salt.

As we noted last week, many regions in the US are expected to experience colder than usual temperatures and above average precipitation this winter because of El Nino. Make sure your car is ready for the onslaught by winterizing it according to the tips listed here.

Winter Weather Forecast for 2015-2016

Long-range weather predictions can be a useful tool for helping people prepare for unseasonal or extreme conditions. While these forecasts can never be 100 percent accurate, modern technology enables meteorologists to make very reasonable assumptions about what lies ahead. Based on these forecasts, residents in target areas will know in advance if they need to stock up on emergency supplies or get out their battery-heated clothing and ice cleats a little earlier than usual.

So what’s on tap weather-wise for the 2015-2016 winter season? Numerous sources, including the National Weather Service and the old-school Farmer’s Almanac, are predicting the following:

California will get more precipitation than usual—in the form of rain, snow, and ice—thanks in large part to El Nino. Thus it would be a good idea for business owners to buy ice cleats and other traction devices for employees not accustomed to navigating the slippery conditions.
Major cities in the Northeast such as Boston, Philadelphia, and New York are likely to experience an above average number of storms, so slip-and-fall prevention should be a key concern to employers in those areas as well.
Southwestern states like Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Texas could see unseasonably low temperatures along with more rain and even some snow. Battery-heated apparel, including fleeces and gloves, can help residents cope with the cold.
The Mid-Atlantic region, which encompasses parts of Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, Georgia, and North and South Carolina, could be subject to severe wintry conditions and heavy ice storms. Folks in these areas should have a backup generator ready to go and make sure to use ice cleats and other appropriate safety gear when walking or working outdoors.

Of course, just because you don’t see your city, state, or region listed here among the major predictions doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. We recommend preparing for the worst even as you hope for the best, so visit the CozyWinters website today to start shopping for the heated apparel, electric blankets, and ice cleats you need to get through this El Nino-fueled winter.

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