Across the country, this winter season has served as a stark reminder to millions about the true extremes that winter can bring. Yet the world continues to function during these cold snaps and working in extreme cold can lead to serious health risks such as frostbite, hypothermia, and reduced dexterity, which increase the likelihood of accidents. Protecting employees in these conditions is essential for safety, productivity, and compliance with occupational health standards.
Key Risks in Cold Weather
- Frostbite: Damage to skin and tissue caused by freezing.
- Hypothermia: Dangerous drop in body temperature.
- Reduced Dexterity: Impaired grip and movement, increasing accident risk.
Best Practices for Employee Safety
1. Pre-Planning
- Monitor weather conditions: Use reliable forecasts to anticipate extreme cold.
- Schedule work wisely:
- Limit outdoor tasks during peak cold periods.
- Rotate workers to reduce exposure.
- Training: Educate employees on symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia, and the appropriate emergency response.
2. Protective Measures
- Clothing:
- Wear multiple layers: moisture-wicking base, insulating middle, windproof outer layer.
- Wear insulated gloves, thermal socks, and waterproof boots.
- Wear face coverings and hats to prevent heat loss.
- Warm-up breaks:
- Provide heated shelters for regular breaks.
- Encourage workers to warm hands and feet frequently.
- Nutrition & Hydration:
- Warm fluids (avoid caffeine and alcohol).
- High-energy snacks to maintain body heat
3. Worksite controls
- Heated areas: Ensure access to warm shelters or vehicles.
- Equipment checks: Cold can affect machinery—inspect before use.
- Buddy system: Pair workers so they canmonitor each other for signs of cold stress.
4. Emergency preparedness
- First aid: Stock supplies for frostbite and hypothermia.
- Response plan: Train staff on emergency procedures and when to seek medical help.
- Incident reporting: Document any cold-related incidents promptly.
Safety Checklist
- Check the weather forecast, including the wind chill, before starting work.
- Ensure employees are wearing properly layered clothing and PPE.
- Provide heated shelters and warm fluids.
- Schedule frequent breaks for warming up.
- Train employees on the signs and symptoms of cold stress and emergency response.
- Maintain first aid kits and emergency contacts on-site.
Extreme cold demands proactive safety measures. Protecting employees is not only a legal obligation—it’s essential for health, productivity, and risk mitigation. If you have any questions, please contact your RMA Risk Advisor at risk@rmainsurance.com