Cold Weather Safety

• Cold stress from prolonged exposure
• Frostbite on exposed skin, fingers, toes, ears, and face
• Wet clothing increasing heat loss
• Reduced grip strength and dexterity
• Slips and falls on snow, ice, or frozen surfaces
• Poor visibility and slower reaction time in winter conditions

Cold weather can affect workers before they realize they are in trouble. Low temperatures, wind, wet clothing, snow, ice, and long outdoor tasks can all reduce body heat and make normal work more difficult.

Cold stress is not only a comfort issue. It can affect judgment, coordination, grip strength, reaction time, and the ability to use tools safely. A worker who is too cold may make mistakes they would normally avoid.

Wet clothing makes cold exposure worse. Rain, snow, sweat, mud, or water from the job can pull heat away from the body quickly, especially when wind is present.

Workers should dress in layers that can be adjusted as work conditions change. Gloves, insulated boots, hats, dry socks, and wind-resistant outer layers help protect the body while still allowing safe movement.

Hands and feet need special attention. Cold fingers can make it harder to hold tools, operate controls, open valves, climb ladders, or handle materials without dropping them.

Walking surfaces should be treated as a major hazard in cold weather. Ice, snow, frozen mud, slick steps, and icy equipment platforms can cause serious falls if workers rush or fail to maintain footing.

Warm-up breaks should be used before symptoms become severe. Workers should report numbness, uncontrollable shivering, confusion, clumsiness, pale skin, or unusual behavior early.

Cold weather safety depends on planning ahead. Crews should account for clothing, breaks, footing, visibility, communication, and emergency response before the weather turns a routine task into a high-risk situation.

• Dress in layers suitable for the work and weather.
• Keep clothing, gloves, socks, and boots dry when possible.
• Protect exposed skin from wind and cold.
• Use warm-up breaks before symptoms become serious.
• Watch for numbness, shivering, confusion, or clumsiness.
• Use caution on icy, snowy, or frozen walking surfaces.
• Report cold stress symptoms early.

• What cold weather hazards are expected during today’s work?
• Are workers dressed properly for wind, moisture, and temperature?
• Where can workers warm up if needed?
• Are walking surfaces, ladders, and equipment steps slick or frozen?
• How will the crew recognize and respond to cold stress symptoms?