Winter Safety 101: Protecting Yourself and Your Team from Cold Weather Hazards

Winter Safety 101: Protecting Yourself and Your Team from Cold Weather Hazards

by William T. Paletski PE, CSP
Keystone (formerly East Coast Risk Management)
Lehigh Valley, PA

As a child, my mom’s voice would ring out each winter morning: “Wear a hat! Wear your gloves!” Like many kids, I often ignored her advice, braving the cold with unprotected fingers, face, and feet. Standing shivering at the bus stop, I now realize I was experiencing cold stress. If only I had listened to my mom.

Understanding Cold Stress

Cold stress occurs when the body can no longer maintain its normal core temperature of 98.6°F. Prolonged exposure can lead to serious conditions like hypothermia, frostbite, and dehydration. The body’s initial response to cold is to conserve heat by reducing blood flow to the skin, creating an insulating layer. Shivering follows, increasing metabolism to generate warmth. Persistent shivering is a warning sign that cold stress is severe and hypothermia may be imminent.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia sets in when the body temperature drops below 95°F. Early symptoms include shivering, pain in extremities, fatigue, and drowsiness. If untreated, hypothermia can progress to slurred speech, a slow and weak pulse, unconsciousness, and potentially death.

Frostbite

Frostbite typically affects extremities like fingers, toes, ears, and the nose. It results in the freezing of skin and underlying tissues, causing numbness, tingling, pain, and a loss of color in the affected areas. Severe frostbite can lead to permanent tissue damage and amputation. Risk factors include direct contact with metal or water, dehydration, diabetes, smoking, alcohol consumption, and medications that impair judgment.

If frostbite occurs:

• Avoid rubbing or applying pressure to the area.
• Warm the affected area gradually with warm (not hot) water.
• Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms persist or worsen.

Chilblains

Chilblains occur due to prolonged exposure to cold but nonfreezing temperatures. Symptoms include redness, itching, and possible blistering or ulceration of the skin. This condition results from inflammation of small blood vessels and can cause pain and irritation during future exposures.

Trench Foot

Trench foot develops from prolonged exposure to wet and cold conditions, as wet feet lose heat faster than dry feet. Symptoms include reddening of the skin, numbness, swelling, blisters, and in severe cases, gangrene. Keeping feet dry and warm is essential to prevention.

Best Practices for Employers and Workers

Preventing cold-related injuries requires proactive planning and education. Here are key strategies:

1. Train Supervisors and Workers:
   • Educate teams to recognize and respond to cold stress symptoms.
   • Highlight the importance of wind chill, as wind can accelerate heat loss. For instance, wind chills below -29°F can freeze exposed skin within one minute.
2. Limit Exposure:
   • Minimize time spent outdoors in temperatures below 40°F.
   • Schedule frequent breaks in warm, sheltered areas.
3. Wear Protective Clothing:
   • Dress in layers
     — Inner layers should wick away moisture.
     — Middle layers should provide insulation (e.g., wool or fleece)
     — Outer layers should be windproof and water-resistant.
   • Don’t forget hats, gloves, and thermal socks. Most body heat is lost from the head and neck.
4. Stay Hydrated:
   • Dehydration is a hidden risk in cold weather. Encourage regular fluid intake.
5. Use the Buddy System:
   • Avoid working alone in extreme conditions. Monitor each other for signs of cold stress.
6. Plan Ahead:
   • Follow the adage: “Plan the work, work the plan.” Adjust tasks to minimize risk during the coldest hours and ensure that safety protocols are in place.

A Safety Reminder

Winter safety doesn’t happen by accident; it requires preparation, awareness, and action. Train workers to recognize hazards, encourage proper attire, and establish policies that prioritize health and safety. Remember, at the first signs of hypothermia or frostbite, seek medical attention immediately.

About the author

William T. Paletski PE, CSP
Senior  Environmental, Health & Safety Consultant 
Keystone (formerly East Coast Risk Management)
Lehigh Valley, PA

We are honored to have “Bill” lead our Workplace Safety Forum. With an EHS career that began in 1985, Bill brings decades of experience in manufacturing and construction safety. His impressive credentials include Professional Engineer (PE); Certified Safety Professional (CSP); Certified Workers’ Compensation Advisor (CWCA) and OSHA Outreach Instructor for General Industry & Construction. Bill’s expertise also extends to data analysis and thermography, making him a well-rounded authority in environmental health and safety.  

To join the MRC Workplace Safety Forum, please contact Diane Lewis at (610) 554-5196 or diane.lewis@mrcpa.org ,