Working outside in cold weather comes with risks and that’s why it’s important for both employers and employees to understand how to mitigate them. Check out our safety tips!
Frostbite, hypothermia, muscle injuries, and joint issues are all potential health problems that can result from working in cold temperatures. Our cold weather safety guide will help you alleviate the potential for these problems.
A Cold Weather Safety Guide
Signs of Cold Weather-Related Injury or illness
If an employee experiences any of the issues outlined below, they should move indoors immediately, notify their supervisor and seek medical attention if symptoms continue.
- Excessive shivering
- Exhaustion
- Disorientation
- Discolored skin
- Waxy skin
- Numbness
Tips to Protect Yourself in the Cold Weather
- Dress in layers
- First layer – moisture-wicking material
- Second layer – wool layer to hold in body heat
- Third layer – wind-resistant material
- Have hand and feet warmers in your gloves and boots
- Wear a hat; about 40% of body heat is lost through your head
Cold weather can have other effects on your body, such as:
- Reduced grip strength
- Reduced strength in general
- Decreased sensitivity to pain
- Reduced hand usage
As an employer it’s very important you review the risks of working in cold weather with your employees. Ensure your employees understand the causes, symptoms, and precautions to take. Be sure to provide them with opportunities to warm up while working in cold weather.
We hope these tips help keep you and your employees safe while working in the cold weather.
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