In industries that provide marine logistics, rail services, and facility management, cold weather can introduce some unique challenges. Cold weather safety is critical for companies like Team Services, and we prioritize it for the sake of our employees, clients, and communities.
Within this guide, we’ll explore best practices to protect employees, equipment, and operations during freezing conditions and less than optimal weather situations.
Why cold weather safety matters
Cold weather affects every aspect of operations, from tank farm monitoring to locomotive operations services. Hazards like ice, snow and low temperatures can lead to injuries, equipment failures and operational delays.For more information on cold-related illnesses and safety precautions, see the CDC’s guide on cold stress. In these conditions, safety isn’t optional, it’s essential to maintaining productivity and protecting lives. In these conditions, safety isn’t optional, it’s essential to maintaining productivity and protecting lives.
Top tips for COLD weather safety in marine and industrial operations
- Winterize equipment and facilities—proper maintenance prevents weather-related failures.
- Equip employees with proper PPE—cold weather gear keeps workers safe across operations. Encourage frequent breaks in heated areas to maintain proper body temperature.
- Plan for weather-related delays—freezing conditions can slow operations and movements. Remain flexible, schedule around warmer times of the day and allow extra time without cutting corners to make up lost time.
- Provide training for hazard recognition—educate employees to identify cold weather hazards such as ice build up, signs of hypothermia in team members, and more.
- Monitor and communicate continuously–use technology to stay ahead of the weather and communicate updates to teams.
Safety: A core value in every season
Though heightened alert and preparation is required in the winter, at Team Services, safety is more than a seasonal consideration; it’s the cornerstone of everything we do. Whether operating in marine logistics, rail services, or integrated facility management, our year-round commitment to safety includes:
- Zero-Harm Philosophy: We strive for an incident-free workplace by focusing on proactive risk management, teamwork, and continuous improvement across all operations.
- Stop-Work Authority: Every team member is empowered to halt operations if unresolved hazards arise, protecting both the workforce and the environment.
- Ongoing Communication: Safety discussions are the foundation of every meeting, fostering a culture of accountability. Our near-miss and hazard reporting programs encourage team-wide contributions to a safer workplace.
- Comprehensive Risk Assessments: From tank farm monitoring to railcar unloading systems, hazard assessment, and risk mitigation are built into every task, creating a proactive safety culture that addresses risks head-on.
Integrated Training: The key for seamless operations in any conditions
We take a customized approach to operational integration, tailoring training programs to match each client’s culture, procedures, and safety protocols. This integration ensures that our team functions as a seamless extension of the client’s workforce, maintaining consistent safety standards in every operation. And yes, this training takes seasons into account.
Our training programs go beyond compliance by offering specialized educational opportunities such as:
- Tankerman training programs that exceed industry expectations.
- Apprenticeships that develop skills for long-term career growth.
- Tailored training to meet unique customer needs, whether in marine logistics, rail switching, or warehouse operations management.
Recognized Excellence in Safety
Our safety-first culture has earned Team Services national recognition. We are proud recipients of the AEU National Safety Award for Marine Cargo Handling in 2016, 2019, and 2021, standing out among over 1,400 competitors.
Cold weather safety, and year-round safety at that, isn’t just a priority, it’s a reflection of Team Services’ commitment to excellence, teamwork, and care for our people and partners. This approach creates a workforce that is not only highly skilled but also deeply committed to maintaining safety standards in all environments and conditions.
