When temperatures drop, working outdoors can become more challenging—but a little preparation can go a long way toward keeping everyone safe and comfortable. Cold, wind and damp conditions can cause the body to lose heat faster than it can replace it, creating the risk of cold stress and related conditions such as frostbite and hypothermia.
The good news? Many of the risks associated with working in the cold are preventable. Knowing what to expect, dressing appropriately, taking warm-up breaks and looking out for your coworkers can all make a meaningful difference. Here are a few simple ways to prepare for cold-weather work and help make safety part of the routine.
Safety Tips
- Know the symptoms of cold stress. Receive training on recognizing the early-onset symptoms of cold stress, including frostbite and hypothermia, along with proper first-aid response procedures.
- Check the forecast before every shift. Be sure to monitor the wind chill, as it can vary greatly from the ambient air temperature. Awareness of outdoor temperatures provides you with the best opportunity to prepare for your day.
- Wear layered clothing. Wear a moisture-wicking inner layer, an insulating middle layer and a wind- and rain-resistant outer layer to best regulate body heat and allow moisture to escape. Don’t forget to protect your skin and retain body heat with insulated hats, gloves and waterproof boots.
- Bring extra dry clothing as backup. This includes extra pairs of socks. When clothes get wet from sweat or precipitation, it’s best to swap them for dry ones to keep your body warm. Keep in mind that wet clothes lose a large percentage of their insulating value.
- Do not continue to work in wet shoes or socks. Trench foot can develop in temperatures as warm as 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Moisture accelerates heat loss, making it important to keep your feet dry to avoid trench foot or frostbite. Signs of trench foot include skin discoloration, darkening as it worsens, numbness and tingling and swelling of the feet.
- Stay hydrated and well-nourished. Drink plenty of warm fluids throughout your shift. Dehydration decreases your blood volume, which increases the risks associated with cold stress. High-calorie meals and snacks help provide extra fuel for the body to produce heat.
- Avoid alcohol before work and limit caffeine intake. Both can interrupt your body’s processes to regulate body temperature. Prioritize warm non-caffeinated fluids.
- Limit your exposure to the cold by taking advantage of work-rest cycles. Seek regular warm-up breaks in vehicles, trailers, or shelters that provide heat. Increase the frequency of your breaks based on the severity of the cold.
- Use a buddy system when working in extreme cold. Use the buddy system and watch for signs of cold stress in coworkers, such as shivering, confusion or slurred speech. Alert a supervisor immediately if you notice these symptoms in yourself or others.
- Limit touching cold surfaces with bare skin. Refrain from handling cold or wet tools and equipment without insulated gloves, as bare skin loses heat much faster through direct contact with cold surfaces.
- Stay active. Keep moving. Movement generates body heat through increased metabolism, helping maintain warmth throughout your shift.
- Preparedness is key. Be mindful of the risks of working outdoors in cold, windy weather and prepare yourself for the workday ahead of time.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
Cold weather doesn’t have to put a stop to getting the job done, but it does require a little extra awareness and preparation. Check the forecast, dress for the conditions, keep extra dry clothing handy, take regular opportunities to warm up and pay attention to how you—and your coworkers—are feeling throughout the day.
Most importantly, don’t ignore the early signs of cold stress. Looking out for yourself and the people working alongside you is one of the simplest ways to help everyone get through the workday safely and head home warm and healthy.
At Deeley Insurance Group, we believe being prepared is part of being sure. A little planning before the cold sets in can help prevent a much bigger problem later.
For more risk management guidance, reach out to the friendly, local insurance experts at Deeley today. Call or text 410.213.5600.
