With so much emphasis on job-related heat stress in recent years, it is easy to forget that cold weather and frigid conditions pose an equal threat to workers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that more than 40,000 workplace injuries are caused each year by exposure to snow, ice and cold. There were also nearly 50 worker deaths attributed to snow, sleet and ice in 2023. It is important for employers and workers to be familiar with the risks and hazards encountered in cold conditions and how to safely navigate them. 

When working in cold or cool temperatures, there is an increased potential for trench foot, hypothermia and frostbite. Unfortunately, people in poor physical condition or who have medical concerns such as hypertension, hypothyroidism and diabetes are at greater risk when working in cold weather. 

Trench foot

Trench foot or immersion foot syndrome is a condition that happens when feet are cold and wet for an extended time. 

According to the Cleveland Clinic, “It often happens when you must wear wet socks and shoes or boots for days at a time. Prolonged exposure to damp, cold and sometimes unsanitary conditions can lead to the disease. Trench foot is a type of nonfreezing cold injury. This means the temperature that causes the condition is usually cold but above freezing. Trench foot can cause skin and tissue breakdown, which can increase your risk for infection. The condition can be very painful, but it’s treatable and preventable.”

Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when body heat is lost faster than it can be replaced, and the body temperature drops below 95°F. It most frequently occurs during exposure to extreme cold temperatures. However, it can also occur in warmer conditions if workers are chilled from rain, sweat or submersion in cold water. Hypothermia symptoms include decreased alertness, shivering and stomping of the feet to help generate heat. As the body temperature drops, the condition can worsen. Indicators may also include dilated pupils, confusion, disorientation, impaired motor skills, slowed breathing and heart rate, difficulty standing and even unconsciousness.

Frostbite

Frostbite is an injury that happens when the skin and underlying tissues freeze. Frostbite commonly occurs to the fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks and chin. Workers are most vulnerable when bare skin is exposed to cold, windy weather. However, it can also be caused by direct contact with ice, freezing metals or very cold liquids. The severity of frostbite increases with longer exposure. 

In severe cases, victims experience numbness, pain or discomfort to the affected area and joints and muscles begin to shut down. When rewarming the skin, the area might turn black and hard as the tissue dies. This can result in amputation. Workers frostbitten to this degree should seek prompt medical attention. 

Smart safety precautions

Before working in cold or cool conditions, workers must be trained in the appropriate safety precautions. When work needs to be done in cold temperatures, employers should plan for it to take place at the warmest part of the day and for work to be done in pairs. This will allow people to monitor each other for symptoms of cold stress. 

It is imperative when working in cold conditions to stay dry. Moisture or dampness caused by sweat, snow or rain can increase the rate of heat loss from the body. Workers should always have an extra set of dry clothes. Tight clothing should be avoided because it reduces blood flow to extremities and can result in more rapid heat loss. 

OSHA recommends wearing multiple layers to provide better insulation and to help adjust to changing temperatures. An inner layer of wool, silk or synthetic (polypropylene) keeps moisture away from the body; a middle layer of wool or synthetic provides insulation even when wet; and an outer wind and rain protection layer enables some ventilation to prevent overheating. Workers may also consider wearing insulated waterproof boots and gloves, as well as a knit hat, which can be worn with a hard hat. 

Electrical workers should consider wearing arc-rated clothing in certain scenarios. In addition to taking these precautions, employers should provide a warm, dry place for workers to take breaks from freezing temperatures. Individuals can experience exhaustion and fatigue in cold weather at a faster rate than normal. Drinking warm beverages and sports drinks and avoiding caffeine and alcohol can also help. 

Slips, trips and falls on slippery surfaces created by snow, sleet, ice or wet surfaces present additional hazards. According to OSHA’s winter weather guide, to prevent slips, trips and falls, employers should clear snow and ice from walking surfaces and spread deicer as quickly as possible after a winter storm. When walking on snow or ice is unavoidable, workers should be trained to wear footwear with good traction and insulation, take short steps and walk at a slower pace so they can react quickly to changes in traction.

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