This week, Dr. Logan F. Martin and James Junkin break down the winter hazards that put workers at risk as temperatures drop. From propane heater misuse to methanol ingestion cases, the hosts share practical, field-tested controls every safety leader should put in place before December arrives.

Drawing from real incidents in construction, oil and gas, utilities, and high-hazard industries, they explain why cold weather demands a different approach to fit-for-duty, equipment operation, and onsite planning.

Inside the Episode:

• Why propane heaters create carbon monoxide hazards if not monitored

• How methanol misuse leads to blindness and fatalities, and how to prevent it

• Cold stress and winter illness warning signs safety leaders often miss

• Why OTC medications can impair equipment operators during winter shifts

• Winter driving risks that increase incidents on and off the job site

Resources mentioned:

• Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/
• OSHA Letters of Interpretationhttps://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/interpretations
• GHS Labeling Requirementshttps://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/ghs.html
• NIOSH Cold Stress Resourceshttps://www.cdc.gov/niosh/cold-stress/about

The Risk Matrix Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Weekly masterclass in risk management from industry titans ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. L.F. Martin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (32-year veteran, Board of Global EHS Credentialing Impact Award winner) and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠James Junkin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (trainer of 40,000+ safety professionals, ASSP's 2024 Safety Professional of the Year).

Every Tuesday: The tough conversations safety managers need to have. Critical insights from safety experts. Real-world strategies. Actionable solutions.

The Risk Matrix Podcast is powered by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Veriforce⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Bringing workers home safe from high-hazard jobs.