Category Archives: Winter Products

How to Enforce Employee Safety

Now that you’re committed to making employee safety a priority this year, the next step is to actually enforce the rules. This effort will likely be met with resistance and more than a bit of grumbling from employees—especially if laxity had been a big part of the prevailing culture—but is a quick and effective way to promote the sought-after changes. Here’s how to get started:

  • enforce employee safetySpell out all safety rules and regulations in the employee handbook or in a separate document, and distribute the materials to all personnel. Require employees to sign a document stating that they have read the rules and agree to abide by them.
  • Update the company’s safety rules annually or whenever new equipment or procedures are introduced.
  • Post the most critical safety rules on signs in break rooms, locker rooms, the cafeteria, and other areas where employees tend to congregate.
  • Have clearly articulated consequences for not following safety rules (e.g. a verbal warning for the first offense, a written warning for the second offense, etc.) so employees understand the immediate repercussions of noncompliance.
  • Provide supervisors, managers, and others in positions of authority with guidelines on when and how to issue warnings for safety violations, as well as extra training on how to apply the rules in a fair and consistent manner.
  • Incentivize the process of developing good safety habits by offering small rewards, such as free coffee and donuts at breakfast or a pizza party at lunch, when certain milestones are reached. Use a large signboard to keep track of the number of days without an accident and hang it in a prominent location to stoke motivation.

Even the sincerest commitment to employee safety will ultimately ring hollow in the absence of a systematic way to enforce all policies. Use the above tips to promote compliance with safety rules and change employee attitudes and behaviors in your workplace.

Tips for Making Employee Safety a Priority in the New Year

icy stairsIt’s no secret that slip-and-fall accidents are a leading cause of employee absence and decreased productivity in the workplace or that these mishaps are also responsible for an overwhelming percentage of annual worker’s compensation claims. Data and statistics supporting these statements are widely available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, OSHA, and other organizations, and the incident files in your own HR department probably tell a similar tale.

With all that you know about the dangers of slick surfaces in the workplace, it’s time to get serious about enforcing employee compliance with safety rules. Here are some effective tips for making workplace safety a priority in the New Year:

  • Do whatever is necessary to ensure the safety program has the full support of management. If top-level employees continually look the other way and fail to enforce the rules, then unsafe behaviors are not likely to change.
  • Rewrite the company’s safety manuals or employee handbooks to make important safety protocols, such as wearing ice cleats in winter, mandatory. Simply saying that safety gear is “recommended” is not enough to guarantee compliance.
  • Place high visibility warning signs in areas that are particularly susceptible to slip-and-fall accidents, including icy sidewalks, slick loading docks, slippery steps, and narrow walkways.
  • Encourage employees to treat hazards themselves by making rock salt, sand, sawdust, floor mats, and other remedies readily accessible near known trouble spots.
  • Consider assembling and training a “safety team” made up of interested employees. These safety team members can help with monitoring workspaces in real time and can offer reminders or tips when they see breaches of safety protocols.

Workplace safety should be a priority in every organization, particularly those that have already experienced the loss of work days, productivity, and employee morale due to preventable slip-and-fall accidents. Make this year different by implementing the above tips to promote compliance with all safety rules.

Top Holiday Gift Ideas for 2014

heated apparel heated pet beds christmas giftsWith Black Friday and Cyber Monday looming, it’s time for the annual CozyWinters Holiday Gift Guide. Here are some of our top-selling heated products of 2014 for you to consider as you jump into the holiday shopping season.

 

For the home

  • Heated chair cover: With four heat settings, automatic shut-off, non-slip back, and a generous 72” cord length, this oversized heated chair cover is great for instantly warming a favorite recliner, rocking chair, or armchair.
  • Rug heat pad: Banish chilly floors and cold feet with this portable heat pad. It fits under area rugs or carpets to provide warmth and coziness to living rooms, playrooms, TV rooms, and bedrooms. Pets love it too!
  • Foot of the bed warmer: For some folks a full-sized heated mattress pad or electric blanket isn’t necessary for getting a good night’s sleep. Instead, they can take comfort in something as simple as an electric foot of the bed warmer to keep toes toasty without heating the entire sleeping surface.

 

For the animal lover

  • Heated dog pad: Even the hardiest dog breeds face health risks when kept outdoors in winter, which is why a heated dog pad from Lectro-Soft would make a welcome gift for the pet lover on your list. This pad uses very low wattage to produce life-saving warmth for pets staying in doghouses, basements, barns, and garages.
  • Heated cat bed: A soft orthopedic base, removable heater, and washable cover make this heated cat bed an attractive retreat for even the most finicky feline.
  • Heated pet bowl: If your dog’s water bowl consistently freezes over in winter, then this needs to be at the top of your wish list. The bowl comes with a chew-resistant cord and plugs into any standard outlet to keep water drinkable even when temperatures drop below zero.

 

For the sports fan

  • Heated stadium seat cushion: Football games, hunting blinds, camping, and other outdoor pursuits will be a lot more comfortable with our heated stadium seat cushion. These lightweight, battery-operated pads heat to around 120 degrees and provide up to five hours of warmth per charge.
  • All-purpose heated gloves: Three heat settings, adjustable neoprene wrist cuffs, and no-slip palms make these gloves ideal for a variety of light outdoor activities such as walking or shoveling snow.
  • Boot & glove dryer: The skiers and snowboarders on your list will appreciate the convenience of this quick-working, four-pronged boot & glove dryer from DryGuy. It heats up enough to kill odors and dry garments in about an hour without getting so hot as to damage boot or glove liners.

 

We also offer CozyWinters gift certificates in denominations ranging from $25 to $500, so head on over to our site right now to begin shopping for everyone on your holiday list.

 

Reasons You Haven’t Bought Ice Cleats

yaktrax_walkerOutdoor work safety is a critical issue year round, but is especially important in the winter when snow and ice combine to make conditions even more hazardous than usual. Slip and fall accidents are one of the largest causes of workplace injuries, and can have devastating effects on health, morale, and productivity.

The best way to prevent slip and fall accidents on outdoor surfaces is to increase traction on employees’ footwear with the help of removable ice cleats from manufacturers such as Yaktrax, WinterSmart, Get-A-Grip, and STABILicers.

Yet as easy as it is to add ice cleats to work shoes and boots, many employers still haven’t adopted this preventive safety measure. Some of the top reasons they give for holding out include the following:

Buying ice cleats for every worker is too expensive.

We understand that many businesses have budget concerns, but it just doesn’t make sense to cut corners where safety is involved. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a single slip and fall incident in the workplace costs employers an average of $28,000 — which makes the volume discount price on ice cleats at CozyWinters look like an even bigger bargain!

Employees won’t want to bother putting them on and taking them off.

This concern, which is occasionally voiced by folks that need heavy-duty spiked ice cleats, is simply outdated. Many modern ice cleat models come with Velcro straps or easy-to-grip support rings and holes that make quick work of getting the cleats on and off. When safety is that simple, everyone benefits!

Employees can just walk carefully.

Many people think that they do not need safety equipment because they feel they can take care to avoid accidents on their own. However, this is simply not the case. While walking carefully and slowly is always advised in icy conditions, companies must take every precaution to promote the safety of their employees, but also to reduce company liability for potential injuries due to workplace injury.

Employees can’t wear them indoors or while driving.

Unfortunately, it is true that no ice cleats are safe to wear indoors or while driving. However, as we mentioned above, most brands of ice cleats are quick and easy to put on or take off when changing walking surfaces. All it takes to switch from winter walking to driving is a quick

 

Prevention is the best way to handle slip and fall accidents in winter, which is why the added traction of ice cleats is a must-have for outdoor workers. If you’ve been avoiding a purchase for your employees because of one of the excuses above, it’s time to change your mind and get with the (safety) program!

The Benefits of Wearing Ice Cleats on the Tarmac and Other Industrial Areas

There are several benefits to wearing a pair of ice cleats if you work for an airport or government agency such as Parks and Outdoor Recreation or Waste Management. Did you know that this year more than one third of adults will suffer an injury due to falling on ice? These accidents also account for more than 25,000 missed days of work! Wow! If you currently work on a tarmac at an airport or for Waste Management or another government agency, there are a few things you can do this season to ensure your own safety. We have put together a small safety checklist that includes learning to walk like a penguin, using the proper equipment, and knowing the difference between young and mature ice.

Learn to Walk Like a Penguin

Pay close attention to others around you during colder months, you’ll probably notice that some are more adept to walking on ice than others. People who have grown up or lived in an icy environment for an extended period of time have learned to walk like penguins and as a result fall less than others. To walk like a penguin, simply shift your center of gravity to your front facing foot instead of splitting it evenly between both feet.

Buy Ice Cleats

A durable pair of properly fitting ice cleats are instrumental to your success on the ice! Ice cleats will give you more gripping power while working on the tarmac or out on the ice this year. Before ordering a pair of ice cleats, talk to other contractors and government employees to see if they would like to order a pair too! We have bulk pricing on high quality ice cleats that will help both you and your coworkers from slipping on the tarmac during below freezing temperatures. Less slipping means fewer injuries!

Fall the Right Way

Did you know that there is a right and wrong way to fall? If you learn to fall the right way, you’ll be less likely to injure yourself. As soon as you think you are about to fall, tuck your chin against your chest, wrap your arms around your head and try to fold your body into itself. Next, quickly roll onto your back and exhale powerfully or shout to absorb as much of the impact as possible. Trust us, the fall will hurt less! Whatever you do, do not try to break your fall using your arms!

Know Your Ice

It’s also important to know what type of ice you’re working with and if it’s safe to cross. Look for clear ice, it’s usually newly formed and stronger than older ice formations. If you’re in an area where ice has formed over running water, don’t cross! This is very dangerous! Lastly, always remember that the thickness of ice tends to vary, one area may be two feet thick while another area is less than two inches thick. There are several charts available online to use as a guide, we recommend printing one out and bringing it with you.

How do you protect yourself on the ice? Share your answers with us in our comments section or on Facebook! We would love to hear from you!

What to Pack for Winter Vacation: Snow Cleats, Gloves, Electric Blankets and More!

Are you planning to take a trip this winter to your cabin in Colorado? There are several benefits to owning a property located in the mountains, especially if your permanent residence is located in an area where it’s sunny and 90 degrees throughout the year. However if you are accustomed to warm and sunny weather, you’ll need to pack the essentials like a pair of snow cleats, gloves, electric blankets and more. If you’re not sure of what else to pack for a snow property vacation, don’t worry, we’ve compiled a small list of a few essentials that you will not want to leave behind.

Electric Blanket

An electric blanket will require extra room in your suitcase, but you’ll be glad you brought it! If you’re worried about the amount of electricity an electric blanket will use while you are visiting your snow property, don’t worry! Modern electric blankets use very little voltage to operate and you’ll stay warm all night without the bulkiness of another comforter.

Snow Cleats

A proper fitting pair of snow cleats are a must have if you own a snow property! They’ll come in handy if you’re having to perform maintenance around the property or if you plan on spending the majority of your time outdoors walking around town. Snow cleats have a bad reputation of being bulky and a pain to wear however there are several streamlined designs from name brand manufacturers like Get-A-Grip, Yaktrax, and Wintertrax. If you’re looking for even more traction while completing your honey-do list, check out an over-the-shoe style from STABLicers.

Dry-Fit Socks

The socks you pack should not only be made of a dry-fit material, but should also be thin. We know this seems counter intuitive but we have very good reasoning for it. A dry-fit pair of thin socks will keep your feet warm and dry while out in the snow and you’ll be able to better avoid uncomfortable blisters. You can also better layer thin socks if you need extra cushion.

Moisturizer

The cold weather is naturally dryer and is therefore much harsher on our skin than warmer weather.  In order to combat skin irritation, we recommend applying a thick moisturizer to your skin throughout the day. If you have a moisturizer that you commonly use at home, it will probably be too thin for cold weather and you will likely want to pick up a thicker moisturizer at your local drug store or department store make-up counter.

On-The-Go Snacks

We know that you’ll stock your snow property with plenty of food while you’re there, but don’t forget to also pack on-the-go snacks. Why? For starters, you’ll never know when you will need a pick-me-up while out on the mountain, whether you’re repairing the house, hiking, or skiing. Having a small snack here and there will also help you fight off altitude sickness. We recommend buying trail mix, granola bars, protein bars or dried fruit.

Don’t forget to pack plenty of clothes that you can layer for warmth! What do you pack when you vacation in the mountains? Share your essentials with us in our comments section or on Facebook!

How to Clean Your Electric Blanket

With autumn quickly approaching, the nights will soon be cool enough to warrant use of an electric blanket. Whether you intend to purchase a new full-sized electric blanket, travel-sized electric blanket, or heated throw from CozyWinters or simply pull an existing one out of summer storage, here are some tips on how to clean it before use.

DO:heated blanket

  • Remove all cords and controllers from the blanket
  • Vigorously shake the blanket to dislodge dust, pet hair, and other debris
  • Presoak in a mixture of cold or lukewarm water and laundry detergent to help get rid of tough stains or musty odors
  • Follow the manufacturer’s washing instructions printed on the care label attached to the blanket
  • If the instructions are missing, run the blanket through the “gentle” or “delicate” cycle of your machine
  • Put the blanket in the dryer for no more than 5-10 minutes at the lowest heat setting
  • If necessary, gently stretch the blanket out to its original shape after removing from the dryer
  • Finish drying by draping the blanket over a clothesline
  • Hand-wash with cool or lukewarm water in a tub if your washing machine is not large enough to accommodate the blanket

DON’T:

  • Dry clean, as the chemicals used in this process can damage the wires and insulation
  • Wring or twist to remove excess water
  • Iron the blanket
  • Use commercial dryers found in laundromats since the heat they generate is too intense
  • Use clothespins, safety pins, or similar items to secure the blanket to a clothesline
  • Plug in a blanket with frayed or damaged wiring, cords, or controls

Nothing beats the feeling of snuggling up with a warm electric blanket on a cool autumn night. Follow the above steps to get your blanket looking and smelling as fresh as possible before you put it into use for the season.

Tips for Storing Ski/Snowboard Gear

ski storage rackMid-April means the end of another awesome ski and snowboard season for most parts of the country. You’ve had your fun out on the slopes every weekend for the past several months, and are already counting down the days until winter returns and you can get back to ripping or shredding. But in order to make sure you’re ready to go at the first sign of snowfall next November or December, it’s important to store your gear properly. Here’s how to do it:

  • Take your skis or snowboard to your favorite pro shop for a full tune-up (or do it yourself if you have the tools and know-how). The purpose of the tune-up is to clean the base, shave nicks, remove burrs, sharpen the edges, and apply a fresh coat of wax to help seal in moisture and inhibit excessive drying.
  • Store your skis or board neatly in a clean, dry place to prevent rust and other damage. We recommend using a product like the wall-mounted multi-storage rack available at CozyWinters.com instead of simply stacking your gear on the concrete floor of your garage or basement.
  • Wash and dry all snow jackets, snow pants, socks, gloves, and neck gaiters, and store the items together to make them easier to find next season.
  • Scrub your ski or snowboard boots with a soft bristled brush and a mild liquid detergent to remove dirt, mud, grease, and grime. Then thoroughly dry them with an electric boot and shoe dryer from PEET, Chinook, DryGuy or another trusted brand before storing them in a closet or on a wall rack. You might also want to throw a scented dryer sheet into each boot or give them a quick squirt of Febreeze to help maintain freshness.

Taking the extra time and money to clean, maintain, and store your ski or snowboard gear properly is never as much fun as using the equipment on your favorite mountains or trails, but is critical to good performance and durability. Follow the above tips before stowing everything away to help ensure your gear is in great shape next winter.

Last-Minute Gift Ideas for Animal Lovers

snow dogAs we head into the homestretch leading up to Christmas, it’s time to finish off your holiday shopping for good. If the remaining friends and relatives on your list are animal lovers or if you want to buy something special for your own beloved pet, then you’re in luck. The staff at CozyWinters.com has done the hard work for you by personally selecting a handful of our most popular pet warming products and putting them all together in this convenient gift guide.

 

  • Nuzzle Nest Self-Warming Pet Bed: Ideal for indoor use, this non-electric bed contains special insulation that traps and redistributes your pet’s body heat across the padded surface.
  • Stainless Steel Heated Dog Bowl: Frozen drinking water will be a thing of the past with our heated dog bowl. Made of easy-to-clean stainless steel and featuring a chew-resistant cord, this product operates on just 25 watts to keep water drinkable despite subzero temps.
  • Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Pet Bed: Available in three sizes, this heated pet pad gives dogs a soft and warm place to sleep during the day even when it’s frigid outside. (Nighttime use is only recommended in conjunction with additional shelter such as a doghouse, garage, barn, or basement.)
  • Thermo-Kitty Cuddle Cushion: Take cat naps to an all-new level of cozy with this Thermo-Kitty Cuddle Cushion! Its three-sided design keeps kitties feeling snug and secure, while its low-wattage heating system provides energy-efficient warmth for hours.
  • Thermo-Cube Outlet: This nifty gadget acts as a regulator to control temperature-based devices such as pond deicers, heat lamps, heated pet beds, and more. It plugs into any standard 15 amp electrical outlet and turns heating devices on or off according to ambient temperature.

We know how tough it can be to find useful and affordable last-minute holiday gifts, so we’re doing whatever it takes to make things easier for you. Visit CozyWinters.com right now to order these fantastic gifts for animal lovers in time for Christmas.

Traveling for the holidays? Be sure to stay warm!

cold travelHoliday travel is a hassle even under the best circumstances. There’s bound to be heavy traffic wherever you go, and the strain of spending several hours in a cramped car with bickering children is enough to overwhelm the patience of a saint. Now imagine if you had to be cold and uncomfortable on top of everything else!

While we can’t clear the highways or make your kids get along, we can help you do something about the cold. Check out these convenient and portable heated travel products from CozyWinters.com before you hit the road for the holidays:

  • 12-Volt Heated Car Seat Pad: At a very compact 16″ x 16″, this plug-in car seat pad is a versatile source of instant warmth. It can act as a heated seat cover, a miniature lap warmer, or a makeshift foot warmer for targeted warmth where you need it most.
  • 12-Volt Heated Travel Throw: For all-over comfort in your car, boat, or RV, nothing beats this heated travel throw. It’s made of incredibly soft, machine washable fleece and comes with an extra-long cord (to reach the backseat), as well as a convenient carry case. This blanket is big enough for two people, but we won’t blame you if you don’t want to share!
  • Deluxe Heated Seat Cover: Bid farewell to frigid car seats by installing one of our universal fit deluxe heated seat covers in your vehicle. Made of high-tech heating fabric, these seat covers generate far-infrared heat without cumbersome wires or bulky heating elements. The warming action begins in just seconds to provide instant heat even on the coldest days.
  • 12-Volt Heated Pet Bed: You wouldn’t dream of leaving Fido or Fluffy at home, so our 12V heated pet bed is another must-have. With an 8′ cord and removable/washable faux lambskin cover, this product redefines comfortable car travel for dogs and cats.

Whether you plan on shredding some serious powder over the holidays or are just going to grandma’s house for a visit, our heated apparel and accessories will help you stay warm no matter how low the temperatures fall. See CozyWinters.com for more information on our entire product line.