Cold Stress Prevention

The winter season and cold weather always seem to sneak up on us each year. Before we know it, the air is freezing with increased winds that take the heat right out of us. Working outside during the winter months can pose serious safety and health risks to employees if precautions are not taken. Don't let these risks sneak up on you this year!

Not only should you educate yourself on the risks that cold weather can bring, but you should also learn how to best protect yourself from them. One of the biggest threats that comes along with winter is cold stress. Without the proper protection, cold stress can quickly manifest in many different ways.

Common Types of Cold Stress

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a condition that is caused by having an abnormally low body temperature. Normal body temperature drops to 95°F or less. If not treated, symptoms can quickly become severe.

• Mild Symptoms: alert but shivering

• Moderate to Severe Symptoms: shivering stops, confusion and slurred speech can occur, your heart rate/breathing can slow down, you can lose consciousness, or death can occur

Frostbite

Frostbite occurs when body tissues freeze from exposure to extreme cold, causing tissue damage. This phenomenon typically affects the nose, fingers, and toes. Frostbite can occur at temperatures above freezing due to wind chill. In severe cases, frostbite can result in amputation.

• Symptoms: numbness, reddened skin that develops gray/white patches, the area feels firm/hard, and may blister

Trench Foot (as referred to as Immersion Foot)

Trench foot is a non-freezing injury to the foot that is caused by lengthy exposure to a wet and cold environment. This can occur at air temperatures as high as 60°F if feet are constantly wet.

• Symptoms: redness, swelling, numbness, and blisters

Protecting Yourself and Others from Cold Stress

Dress Properly

• Layer Like a Pro: Use the Three-Layer System.

  • Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, then add an insulating second layer, and top with a weather-resistant outer layer.

  • Avoid cotton base layers; instead, choose moisture-wicking synthetic blends.

  • Adjust your layers as needed based on your activity level and the outside temperature.

• Keep Dry

  • Adjust your layers as needed based on your activity level and the outside temperature.

  • Always keep a change of clothes on hand. If you notice your clothes are wet from sweat or outside moisture, change immediately.

  • Staying in wet clothes can cause rapid heat loss.

• Remember Your Head, Hands, and Feet

  • Keep your head warm with a hat (waterproof, if necessary).

  • Wear gloves to keep your hands warm and waterproof, and insulated boots to keep your feet protected.

  • If the job allows you to do so, also consider wearing a balaclava or knit mask for your face for extra warmth.

Nutrition

• Drink Warm Liquids

  • Drink warm, sweetened fluids to retain hydration.

  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol as they can dehydrate you and affect your body's ability to regulate temperature.

• Eat High-Calorie Foods

  • Consume snacks with high carbohydrates and other high-calorie foods to stay energized.

Jobsite Risk Reduction Tools

• Minimize Contact with Liquids

  • Skin contact with evaporative liquids like gasoline or alcohol can significantly increase heat loss. Avoid direct skin contact with them and handle them safely.

• Schedule Breaks

  • If possible, schedule short breaks frequently in a warm and dry place to give the body a chance to warm up and recuperate.

• Work During Warmer Hours

  • If the job allows, plan any strenuous work during the warmest part of the day.

• Acclimatize Workers

  • Gradually increase the workload and allow frequent breaks in warm areas for any workers who are new or may not have experience working in the cold. This method will allow workers to create a tolerance for cold-weather work.

• Know Your Risks

  • Be aware of the risks, signs, and symptoms to monitor yourself and your co-workers when working outside.

Training

• Education

  • Your team should be trained on cold stress hazards and prevention. They should understand the signs of the different types of cold stress.

  • During every job, all employees should be alert and monitor each other for symptoms.

• Emergency Response

  • Should someone develop cold stress, you and your team should be prepared to respond quickly and efficiently.

  • Know the first aid procedures for cold stress: move the individual to a warm place, remove wet clothing, and provide warm drinks if they are conscious/alert.

  • Get medical attention or call 911 if necessary.

For additional information, please see OSHA's Quick Card on Cold Stress Prevention.