Top Rain & Snow Safety Tips for Alaska Longshoremen

Working as a longshoreman at any one of Alaska’s many ports is a hazardous career especially during periods of intense rain or snow. As a longshoreman, you’re working around not only water, but a lot of very large and heavy machines, ropes, and other equipment. Here are a few tips to help you succeed at your job.

Rain Safety Tips for Alaskan Longshoremen

• Number one, wear your personal flotation device at all times. You never know when a freak accident might dump you into the cold Alaskan waters. A life vest will dramatically increase your chances of coming back out of the water alive and well.
• Wear the right safety footwear. The top of your shoe or boot should be inside your pant leg, do not tuck your pants into your boot or shoe.
• Wear the right rain gear. You want to be focused on the job, not how miserable and wet you are if you don’t have the right gear.
• Be more aware and more cautious when moving on docks, ladders, or equipment when it is wet, and visibility is reduced.

Cold Weather Tips for Alaskan Longshoremen

• Cold weather and dampness (even from body sweat) can cause cold stress. Pay close attending to your body while working in the cold. Cold stress includes conditions like trench foot, frostbite, and hypothermia. Small problems can turn into big ones if ignored.
• Wear the right clothes. Cotton loses all insulation value when it gets wet, so leave it at home. Instead wear wool, silk, and synthetic fabrics when it’s wet and cold, they will all retain their insulation value when wet.
• Layering up provides better insulation and allows you to be more flexible with the weather. At least three layers of loose fitting clothing are recommended.
• Even if a hard hat isn’t required, you will want to wear something on your head when it’s cold outside. While doctors have debunked the myth that we lose over half our body heat through our heads, you will still lose about 7-10% of your body heat there. Additionally, you want to keep your ears warm since they can get frostbite easily.

Alaskan longshoremen are a vital part of keeping things running smoothly in our state. We have them and many others to thank for so many of the basic essentials we enjoy. From all of us here at the Law Offices of Elliot Dennis, we hope every day is a safe one. But if you find yourself injured while on the job and you need representation, we are here for you.