Work doesn’t stop when it gets cold outside

Although OSHA doesn’t have a standard that covers working in cold environments, employers have a responsibility to provide employees with a workplace free from recognized hazards, including cold weather-related hazards, that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm.

What are some of the hazards?

Storms bring snow, ice, and wind that can make travel hazardous, cause power outages and structural damage, and impact emergency response activities like medical services and firefighting. On a personal level, exposure to cold temperatures can cause serious health problems like hypothermia and frostbite.

What constitutes extreme cold and its effects can vary across different areas of the country. In regions that are not used to winter weather, near freezing temperatures are considered “extreme cold.” A cold environment forces the body to work harder to maintain its temperature. Whenever temperatures drop below normal and wind speed increases, heat can leave the body more rapidly.

What actions can employers take?

Employers should:

• Train workers on how to prevent and recognize cold stress illnesses and injuries, how to provide first aid treatment, and how to call for medical assistance. Workers should be trained on the appropriate engineering controls, personal protective equipment, and work practices to reduce the risk of cold stress.
• Keep abreast of weather conditions and communicate with employees. The National Weather Service issues advisories, watches, and warnings to keep the public informed about hazardous weather conditions. Driving is especially dangerous during winter storms.
• Provide engineering controls. For example, radiant heaters may be used to warm workers in outdoor security stations. If possible, shield work areas from drafts or wind to reduce wind chill.
• Use safe work practices. It’s easy to become dehydrated in cold weather. Consider providing warm, sweetened liquids to workers. If possible, schedule heavy work during the warmer part of the day. Employers can assign workers to tasks in pairs (buddy system), so that they can monitor each other for signs of cold stress. Workers can be allowed to interrupt their work if they are extremely uncomfortable.
• Give workers frequent breaks in warm areas. Acclimatize new workers and those returning after time away from work by gradually increasing their workload, and allowing more frequent breaks in warm areas, as they build up a tolerance for working in the cold environment.
• Review the facility’s emergency action plan. Employers should take weather into account when instructing employees on how to respond to an emergency during cold weather. The facility also should be prepared for other cold-related problems such as power outages, frozen water pipes, damaged roofs, and vehicles or equipment that won’t start.

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