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Cold winter weather brings hazards to employees who work outdoors, in unheated spaces, and in many other ways. As with summer heat hazard conditions (described in our article here), employers must take reasonable steps to protect employees from severe cold weather.

Some cold weather hazards are obvious, and others may not readily come to mind:

• Cold temperatures can lead to frostbite, hypothermia, and other ailments.

• Icy roads make driving hazardous.

• The freeze/thaw cycle creates icy sidewalks that may lead to employees slipping, breaking bones, and other injuries.

• Avalanche conditions in mountainous areas pose a danger.

• Icicles and icy build-up on rooftops and overhangs may fall and injure people below.

• Frozen bodies of water pose a drowning hazard if a person walks on them and falls into the water.

• Snow and ice build-up can block ventilation shafts, which may lead to carbon monoxide poisoning; warming up vehicles in enclosed spaces causes similar hazards.

• High winds and snow create blizzard conditions, which are hazardous for drivers who get stranded.

• Snow shoveling can lead to back injuries, overexertion, and heart attacks.

Examples of workers who are highly likely to be exposed to cold weather hazards include:

• Agriculture, ranching workers

• Construction and road repair crews

• Maintenance workers, snow shovelers

• Car lot salespeople and attendants

• Delivery drivers

• Vehicle maintenance and mechanics

• Oil and gas field crews

• Public safety: EMTs, firefighters, police, security guards, park rangers, backcountry rescuers

• Ski area and other outdoor winter sports workers

• Outdoor event staff, parking attendants, etc.

• Workers in structures that are not heated, such as warehouses, barns, and parking lots

By demonstrating care for the well-being of your employees, you can boost morale and reduce absenteeism and the incidence of emergency health care use. Consider the needs of employees new to your geographic area. They may have relocated from areas without severe winter weather and do not know what to expect.

Implement interventions appropriate for cold weather exposure that can reasonably be considered to exist during work shifts. Examples include the following:

• Training for cold weather conditions and rescue techniques

• Body conditioning to prepare for the physical exertion required for snow removal and walking through deep snow

• Office closure protocols

• Remote work options

• Flexible work schedules

• Personal protective equipment (PPE), such as clothing (warm coats, hats, gloves, boots, socks, base thermal layers, etc.), goggles, avalanche beacons, etc.

• Emergency car kits

• Subsidized public transit options

• Ensure company vehicle tires are appropriate for driving on icy surfaces

• Supply ergonomic snow removal tools

• Educate employees on driving on icy and blizzardy winter roads

• Guidance for handling equipment malfunctions due to cold and icy conditions

• Personal vehicle winter readiness

• Heated spaces

To draft cold weather safety protocols and train employees, these free resources may help:

• OSHA Guide

• NIOSH Cold Stress

• National Weather Service

Employers Council members are welcome to contact us with questions.