Health and Safety ReportVolume 22, Issue 12

When work on ice involves navigating frozen lakes, rivers, or other ice over water conditions, understanding ice dynamics and prioritizing safety measures is critical to preventing incidents and ensuring worker safety.

Ice formation and stability depend on several factors, including temperature fluctuations, water currents, and snow cover. Strength can vary significantly, even within the same area. Clear, blue ice is the strongest type, while white or gray ice is significantly weaker because of air pockets or melting water.

Thickness must be tested before work can begin. The minimum for safe foot traffic for pairs or small groups is 15 cm (6 inches). For larger groups, it’s 20 cm (8 inches) and for snowmobiles, 25 cm (10 inches).

Before travelling on ice, ensure operators know the integrity of the ice cover, what kind of load will be placed on it, and the minimum thickness required. Controls will vary depending on the hazards present, and may include continuous integrity checks, repairing cracks with water and allowing them to freeze, reducing the weight load, diverting or suspending traffic, or using a buffer zone.

Factors like high winds, snowfall, and sudden warming events can dramatically alter ice strength. Monitoring local weather forecasts and alerts can help crews anticipate and adapt to changing conditions.

The right tools and apparel for the job

Dressing appropriately for the cold is vital. Layered clothing made of breathable, moisture-wicking material will keep workers warm and prevent overheating. Insulated and waterproof boots with rubber treads and steel spikes (crampons) can help prevent slipping, while wearing gloves and hats can reduce frostbite risk. When working near water, workers may need to wear cleats, mitten-like ice claws, and floatation devices such as lifejackets or survival suits. Workers should not wear floatation devices if they are in a vehicle, as the device may hamper their escape.

Essential safety tools to carry include an axe or ice chisel, ice auger, and air temperature thermometer to measure ice thickness and air temperature. A cell phone, satellite phone or two-way radio is recommended for working at remote sites, as well as rope and warning devices (pylons, reflectors, flares, flags) to warn others of danger. Ice picks can be kept in a pocket for easy access if the worker ends up in the water. They should have a small personal safety kit on hand that includes a first aid kit, pocketknife, compass, whistle and fire-starter kit.

General tips

Never send workers out on the ice alone and ensure they maintain a distance of at least 10 meters (32 feet) apart when walking or operating machinery. Distributing weight evenly across ice helps reduce the risk of breaking through. Regular testing of ice thickness is essential, particularly in areas where ice might thin due to currents or obstructions.

Even small changes in temperature can compromise ice stability, so monitor environmental conditions closely.  

Know the emergency response plan

Robust emergency response protocols are fundamental when working on ice. Work sites must have designated safety personnel to oversee operations. Employers should establish clear communication protocols for emergencies, and ensure teams are regularly practising rescue procedures, such as rescuing a worker who has fallen through the ice. Survival kits with blankets, heat packs, and first aid supplies should be on hand.

Understanding the dynamics, preparing thoroughly, and prioritizing safety at every step can help workers navigate the challenges of ice over water environments.

Resources

• Working on or Near Ice Covered Water, CCOHS
• Water and Ice, Infrastructure Health and Safety Association
• Guidelines for Safe Ice Construction, Northwest Territories Department of Transportation
• Safety on and Around Ice, Canadian Red Cross

Our podcast episodes help you stay current and informed about workplace health, safety, and well-being in Canada. 

Featured podcast: Top Health and Safety Questions of 2024 

Every year CCOHS receives health and safety questions from people across Canada. We chat with one of our technical specialists about the most notable and frequently asked questions of the year. 

Listen to the podcast now. 

Encore podcast: The Importance of Recharging Over the Holidays 

When workers take the time to recharge, they’re making their mental heath a priority – something that’s especially important over the holiday season. Learn about the importance of taking earned breaks, and the contrast of connecting for work versus connecting for ourselves. 

Listen to the podcast now.

See the complete list of podcast topics or, better yet, subscribe to the series on iTunes or Spotify and don't miss a single episode.

If you’re a post-secondary student in an occupational health and safety program and you’re passionate about your future in the industry, this scholarship opportunity is for you. The Dick Martin Scholarship awards $3,000 prizes to two students, plus $500 to their academic institutions.  

How to apply 

• Complete the online application form
• Submit a cover letter outlining your career aspirations 
• Write an essay on one of two health and safety topics 

To learn more, visit www.ccohs.ca/scholarships/dmartin. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. EST, January 31, 2025. Winners will be announced in early spring 2025. 

Ready to learn about the latest issues affecting workplace health and safety? Here’s a first look at some of the speakers you’ll hear from at CCOHS Forum 2025: The Changing World of Work, taking place May 27-28, 2025 in Calgary, Alberta.  

Susan Aglukark, O.C., LL.B: Award-winning Inuk singer-songwriter on stories of her people, the Inuit of Arctic Canada, and themes of hope, spirit and encouragement shared through musical arrangements blended with the Inuktitut and English languages. 

Dr. Aviroop (Avi) Biswas: Scientist at the Institute for Work and Health on a recent study on the daily movement patterns of Canadian workers and which of these are associated with optimal heart health. 

Xabier Irastorza: Senior Research Project Manager at the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work on insights from the latest European Survey of Enterprises on New and Emerging Risks (ESENER). 

Amin Yazdani, PhD, CSP: Executive Director of the Canadian Institute for Safety, Wellness, and Performance at Conestoga College on employing innovative research technologies to help ensure properly fitted personal protective equipment for all body types. 

Register by February 14, 2025, to take advantage of the early bird rate (a $100 savings). Special rates for CCOHS Members and students are also available. Plus stay at the event venue, Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire, and benefit from preferred delegate rates if you book by April 28, 2025 (a limited number of rooms are available). 

More speakers will be announced soon. For the latest updates, visit www.ccohs.ca/forum. 

Happy holidays from all of us at CCOHS! We will be closed from December 24 at 12pm until December 27 at 8:30am, and from January 31 at 12pm to January 2 at 8:30am. We wish you a safe, restful holiday and look forward to serving you in the New Year.