Saturday, February 15, 2025

Safety tips for working outside in cold weather

Posted

As winter weather and frigid temperatures are upon us, outdoor labor workers are continuing to answer the call and report to work.

From snow, to ice, to wind, cold weather presents its own set of unique challenges while on the job.

Outdoor work requires proper preparation, especially in severe winter weather conditions. Outdoor workers who are exposed to cold and windy conditions are at risk of cold stress.

Below are some tips provided by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to help prepare for winter weather, as well as information about hazards that workers may face during and after winter storms.

Dressing Properly

Dressing properly is extremely important to prevent cold stress. When cold environments or temperatures cannot be avoided, the following helps to protect workers from cold stress.

  • Wear at least three layers of loose-fitting clothing. Layering provides better insulation.
    • An inner layer of wool, silk, or synthetic (polypropylene) to keep moisture away from the body (Thermal wear, wool, silk, polypropylene, or inner layers of clothing that will hold more body heat than cotton.)
    • A middle layer of wool or synthetic to provide insulation even when wet
    • An outer wind and rain protection layer that allows some ventilation to prevent overheating
  • Tight clothing reduces blood circulation. Warm blood needs to be circulated to the extremities. Insulated coat/jacket (water resistant if necessary)
  • Knit mask to cover face and mouth (if needed)
  • Hat that will cover your ears as well. A hat will help keep your whole-body warmer. Hats reduce the amount of body heat that escapes from your head.
  • Insulated gloves (water resistant if necessary), to protect the hands
  • Insulated and waterproof boots to protect the feet

Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when the normal body temperature, 98.6-degree Fahrenheit, drops to less than 95 Fahrenheit. Exposure to cold temperatures causes the body to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Prolonged exposure to cold will eventually use up the body’s stored energy.

The result is hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature.

Hypothermia is most likely at very cold temperatures, but it can occur even at cool temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or immersion in cold water.

An important mild symptom of hypothermia is uncontrollable shivering. Although shivering indicates that the body is losing heat, it also helps the body to rewarm itself. Moderate to severe symptoms of hypothermia are loss of coordination, confusion, slurred speech, heart rate/breathing slow, unconsciousness, and possibly death. Body temperature that is too low affects the brain, making the victim unable to think clearly or move well. This makes hypothermia particularly dangerous because a person may not know what is happening and won’t be able to do anything about it.

In the situation of hypothermia, providing the proper first aid is essential. Call 911 immediately in an emergency, move the worker to a warm and dry area, and remove any wet clothing and replace with dry clothing. Wrap the entire body, including the head and neck, in layers of blankets; and with a vapor barrier (tarp or garbage bag). Do not cover their face.

If medical help is more than 30 minutes away be sure to give warm, sweetened drinks if alert (no alcohol), to help increase the body temperature. Never try to give a drink to an unconscious person. Place warm bottles or hot packs in armpits, sides of chest, and groin. Call 911 for additional rewarming instructions. Basic Life Support is only needed when necessary.

For further information, visit osha.com.