The Old Farmer’s Almanac is usually accurate. Its prediction for this year’s winter weather along the Atlantic corridor is it will be less brutal than past seasons. It forecasts an average of above-normal temperatures, with the coldest days occurring in December and January. Although there is an outlook of a more temperate winter climate in 2021, HVAC businesses and their frontline techs need to stay prepared for the worst conditions.
The only thing constant about New Jersey weather is it can change daily if not hourly. In 24 hours, we can go from a sunny day that turns to mild showers, then to driving snow followed by temps plummeting well below zero. A crucial constant for HVAC business owners and their techs is to be aware that extreme winter weather dramatically increases the already present dangers in performing the work.
Installing and servicing HVAC equipment presents potentially grave risks to techs in perfect climate conditions. When the weather turns brutally cold along with freezing rain, sleet, snow, and ice, it heightens the chances for accidents and injuries. Lousy weather is a reason to slow everything down. Begin by driving with caution. You must get there before you can begin to help someone. Sliding off the road or becoming involved in an accident fixes nothing and complicates everything.
Once on the job, the first step is to assess the work to be done and fully understand the apparent risks. Only with such information can HVAC techs make smart decisions on how to do the job safely. For example, do they have the proper safety equipment on hand and have the right number of techs to keep everyone safe?
HVAC technicians need training and experience to understand the many hazards of the work and identify them. It is equally essential for them to know the safest ways to do their work in all types of weather conditions, especially in New Jersey’s hazardous and punishing winter weather conditions. Among the many challenges HVAC techs face are moving and lifting bulky, heavy equipment, exposure to electricity and dangerous chemicals, and working in spaces that are confined, elevated, or both. The addition to cold, wet, freezing situations to already difficult working circumstances increases the need for extreme caution.
Besides slowing down, HVAC techs need to think about safety first. It’s not just young, inexperienced workers who need training and reinforcement to make staying safe their first priority. Everyone needs to be informed and encouraged to take the dangers of the job seriously. There are things all HVAC techs can do to avoid on the job injuries or worse in winter weather. Here are useful tips for staying safe and comfortable while working on HVAC jobs this winter.
- Drive with extra caution in bad weather and road conditions.
- Dress to stay warm using multiple layers to adjust to varying temperatures indoors and outdoors.
- Know your limits. Don’t try to be a hero by lifting too much, climbing too high, or doing two-person work when alone.
- Maintain your vehicle. Whether using personal transportation or a company truck, make sure to service it for winter with proper tires, battery, wiper blades, and so forth.
- Have an emergency kit on hand, including blankets, flashlights, protein bars, extra batteries, shovel, salt, and sand.
- Maintain your body. Start with getting adequate rest in sleep and by taking regular breaks from physically and mentally demanding tasks. Eat healthy meals and carry enough water or other fluids to keep hydrated.
- Stay in touch. Keep your mobile phone charged and have an extra battery or charger with you. Make sure someone knows exactly where you are going and where you are working on site. Keep your contacts updated when you move.
As an HVAC business owner, you take measures to protect your workers. You also want to protect your business. One of the best ways to safeguard your business is having an NJ HVAC insurance program that provides comprehensive coverage for employees, clients, and your business. There are inherent risks in operating an HVAC business. The staff at Dickstein Associates Agency has years of experience in identifying them and writing NJ HVAC insurance to cover them. Our knowledgeable professionals will help you evaluate the perils you face and give you the best solutions to insure you and your business against them at competitive rates.
About Dickstein Associates Agency
Dickstein Associates Agency has distinguished itself as a leading provider of personal and business insurance in the tri-state area for over 55 years. We pride ourselves on being advocates for our clients and providing them with quality and affordable coverages. As an independent insurance agency, we partner with various carriers, allowing for flexible and unbiased coverage for each client’s unique circumstances. For more information on how you can leverage all of your insurance to work best for you, and how we can secure the best insurance in the marketplace based on your specific needs, contact us today at (800) 862-6662.
