If it’s cold out there …
… Here are some ways to protect employees who work in frigid temperatures.
- Schedule jobs that expose workers to the cold weather in the warmer part of the day.
- Consider providing warm, protective clothing.
- Limit the amount of time spent outdoors on extremely cold days.
- Provide warm areas for use during break periods.
- Provide warm (non-alcoholic) liquids to workers.
- Monitor workers who are at risk of cold stress.
- Acclimatize new workers and those returning after time away from work by gradually increasing their workload, and by allowing more frequent breaks in warm areas, as they build up a tolerance for working in the cold environment.
- Finally, train employees on how to recognize the symptoms of cold stress in themselves and others so they can seek medical attention.
