Working in Cold Weather Safety

Now that the cold months are setting in, the old dangers of extreme cold weather are rearing up again. OSHA and agencies such as CDC have again issued their guidelines to head off cold-weather-related problems, especially from the traditionally vulnerable sectors of the workforce: construction, commercial fishing, maritime, and agriculture.

OSHA is reminding employers and workers to take precautions—such as those listed on the OSHA Cold Stress Card or those covered in OSHA 10 training and OSHA 30 course programs—to prevent, combat, and treat cold-related health problems.

Some tips from OSHA to protect workers:

• Recognize the environmental and workplace conditions that may be dangerous.
• Learn the signs and symptoms of cold-induced illnesses and injuries and what to do to help workers.
• Train workers about cold-induced illnesses and injuries.
• Encourage workers to wear proper clothing for cold, wet and windy conditions, including layers that can be adjusted to changing conditions.
• Be sure workers in extreme conditions take a frequent short break in warm dry shelters to allow their bodies to warm up.
• Try to schedule work for the warmest part of the day.

OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 training are course programs that responsible employers now require of and provide to its employees to ensure a safe and healthful workplace for them. OSHAcampus.com, a top resource for online OSHA training programs, provides OSHA 10 training for entry-level workers, and OSHA 30 training for safety directors, foremen, and field supervisors.