Cold weather Safety

Bravanark Safety tips for working Cold Weather Environment

Working in cold conditions—outdoors or in unheated indoor spaces—can expose workers to serious risks. Employers and workers should understand the hazards and follow safe-work practices to prevent cold-related illnesses and injuries.

1. Main Cold-Related Hazards

❄️ Hypothermia

Body temperature drops below 35°C (95°F).
Warning signs: shivering, confusion, slurred speech, slow breathing, loss of coordination.

❄️ Frostbite

Freezing of skin/tissues—usually fingers, toes, ears, and nose.
Warning signs: numbness, white/gray skin, waxy or hard appearance.

❄️ Cold Stress / Chill Stress

The body cannot maintain its normal temperature due to combined wind, moisture, and low temperature.
Warning signs: intense shivering, fatigue, poor concentration.

❄️ Trench Foot

Prolonged exposure to cold, wet conditions.
Warning signs: tingling, swelling, cold blotchy skin, numbness.

2. Risk Factors

• Low air temperatures
• Wind chill
• Wet or damp clothing
• Poor physical condition or fatigue
• Inadequate hydration or nutrition
• Working alone
• Long exposure periods without breaks

3. Cold Weather Safety Controls

A. Engineering Controls

• Provide heated break areas or warming shelters.
• Shield workers from the wind using barriers or temporary structures.
• Ensure proper insulation of equipment and work areas.
• Use anti-slip surfaces in ice-prone areas. (take proactive measures to minimize the risk of injury, such as clearing snow and ice and using grit or salt). 
• Display warning signs to all access and egress to work areas

B. Administrative Controls

• Schedule heavy or critical work during warmer parts of the day.
• Implement work/rest cycles depending on temperature and wind chill.
• Train workers to recognize symptoms of cold stress.
• Use a buddy system—workers monitor each other.
• Limit time in cold exposure for new or unacclimatized workers.

C. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Layered clothing: moisture-wicking base, insulating middle, wind/waterproof outer layer.
• Insulated gloves and boots, chemical warmers if necessary.
• Thermal socks and balaclavas.
• High-visibility outerwear if working around vehicles.
• Avoid cotton (retains moisture).

4. Safe Work Practices

• Keep clothing dry; change wet clothing immediately.
• Maintain proper hydration—cold dehydrates too.
• Consume warm, high-energy foods.
• Warm up cold tools before contact if possible.
• Use proper footwear to prevent slips on ice.
• Stretch before work; muscles tighten in cold conditions.

5. Emergency Response

If someone shows signs of hypothermia or frostbite:

1. Move the person to a warm, dry place.
2. Remove wet clothing.
3. Warm slowly using blankets or body heat.
4. For frostbite: warm affected area with warm (not hot) water, never rub.
5. Call emergency medical services if severe or worsening.

6. Employer Responsibilities

• Identify and assess cold hazards.
• Develop a cold weather safety program.
• Provide PPE and training.
• Monitor weather conditions.
• Ensure emergency equipment is available.

You have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to ensure your workers are safe, and a warning sign alone is unlikely to be sufficient. You should take proactive measures to minimize the risk of injury, such as clearing snow and ice and using grit or salt. 

For outside areas, only have designated set access routes for pedestrians which can be kept clear of snow and ice.

Click here for our Cold weather Toolbox Talk