From OSHA
Outdoor work in severe winter weather requires careful preparation. While OSHA doesn't have a specific standard for cold environments, employers must still provide a safe workplace free from recognized hazards, including winter weather risks that could cause injury or death (as per the Occupational Safety and Health Act). Employers should train workers on job hazards and safety measures, such as engineering controls and safe work practices, to protect their health and safety.Employers Should:
Provide Engineering Controls
Implement Safe Work Practices
Consider Protective Clothing that Provides Warmth
Dressing Properly for the Cold
Safety Tips for Workers
Employers Should Train Workers
The importance of self-monitoring and monitoring coworkers for cold stress symptoms
First aid procedures and how to call for emergency medical assistance
Selecting proper clothing for cold, wet, and windy conditions
Other winter weather hazards like slippery roads/surfaces, high winds, and downed power lines, and how to recognize them
How workers will be protected through engineering controls, safe work practices, and proper selection of personal protective equipment
Employers Should Provide Engineering Controls
Engineering controls can be an effective way to reduce the risk of cold stress. For instance, radiant heaters can be used to warm workplaces like outdoor security stations. Whenever possible, employers should shield work areas from drafts or wind to minimize wind chill effects. Additionally, employers should utilize engineering controls to protect workers from other winter weather hazards. For example, aerial lifts or ladders can be used to safely apply de-icing materials to roofs, shielding workers from the risk of falling through skylights.
Employers Should Implement Safe Work Practices
Safe work practices that employers can implement to protect workers from injuries, illnesses and fatalities include:
Providing workers with the proper tools and equipment to do their jobs
Developing work plans that identify potential hazards and the safety measures that will be used to protect workers
Scheduling maintenance and repair jobs for warmer months
Scheduling jobs that expose workers to the cold weather in the warmer part of the day
Avoiding exposure to extremely cold temperatures when possible
Limiting the amount of time spent outdoors on extremely cold days
Using relief workers to assign extra workers for long, demanding jobs
Providing warm areas for use during break periods
Providing warm liquids (no alcohol) to workers
Monitoring workers who are at risk of cold stress
Monitoring the weather conditions during a winter storm, having a reliable means of communicating with workers and being able to stop work or evacuate when necessary
Acclimatizing 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
Having a means of communicating with workers, especially in remote areas
Knowing how the community warns the public about severe weather: outdoor sirens, radio, and televisionThe National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides multiple ways to stay informed about winter storms. If you are notified of a winter storm watch, advisory or warning, follow instructions from your local authorities: NOAA Weather Radio
Employers Should Consider Protective Clothing that Provides Warmth
Employers must provide personal protective equipment (PPE), for example, fall protection, when required by OSHA standards to protect workers' safety, and health. However, in limited cases specified in the standard (29 CFR 1910.132), there are exceptions to the requirement for employers to provide PPE to workers. For instance, there is no OSHA requirement for employers to provide workers with ordinary clothing, skin creams, or other items, used solely for protection from weather, such as winter coats, jackets, gloves, parkas, rubber boots, hats, raincoats, ordinary sunglasses, and sunscreen (29 CFR 1910.132(h)(4)). Regardless of this, many employers provide their workers with winter weather gear such as winter coats/jackets and gloves.
Learn more about PPE requirements and how to design an effective PPE program: Personal Protective Equipment (OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page).
Dressing Properly for the Cold
Dressing properly is extremely important to preventing cold stress. When cold environments or temperatures cannot be avoided, the following would help protect workers from cold stress:Wear at least three layers of loose fitting clothing. Layering provides better insulation.An inner layer of wool, silk or synthetic (polypropylene) to keep moisture away from the body. Thermal wear, wool, silk or polypropylene, inner layers of clothing that will hold more body heat than cotton.
A middle layer of wool or synthetic to provide insulation even when wet.
An outer wind and rain protection layer that allows some ventilation to prevent overheating.
Tight clothing reduces blood circulation. Warm blood needs to be circulated to the extremities. Insulated coat/jacket (water resistant if necessary)
Knit mask to cover face and mouth (if needed)
Hat that will cover your ears as well. A hat will help keep your whole body warmer. Hats reduce the amount of body heat that escapes from your head.
Insulated gloves (water resistant if necessary), to protect the hands
Insulated and waterproof boots to protect the feet
Safety Tips for Workers
Your employer should ensure that you know the symptoms of cold stress
Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers
Dress appropriately for the cold
Stay dry in the cold because moisture or dampness, e.g. from sweating, can increase the rate of heat loss from the body
Keep extra clothing (including underwear) handy in case you get wet and need to change
Drink warm sweetened fluids (no alcohol)
Use proper engineering controls, safe work practices, and personal protective equipment (PPE) provided by your employer
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