Working Safe in the Cold
As the temperatures drop and winter rears its bitter head, it is important for workers to stay safe and stay warm, especially when working at extreme temperatures. Cold weather is considered a hazard that employers have a duty to take precaution against to reduce risk of exposure for workers to the best of their ability. Health risks that are of particular concern in cold weather are frostbite and hypothermia, all which can be fatal if not treated immediately.
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) recommends the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in temperatures under 4 degrees Celsius. Clothing should be layered and tailored for specific weather conditions (i.e. a waterproof outer layer for wet conditions, or wind-breaking outer layer for days with heavy winds). Inner layers should have moisture wicking material to help move sweat away from skin. Footwear is recommended to have removeable soles, rubber-bottoms and a porous material (like leather) on top to allow moisture to escape, however waterproof materials are better suited for wet or slushy conditions. Socks can be layered, but workers must ensure that boots aren’t too tight so as to restrict blood flow to the feet, which can be harmful in cold weather conditions. It is recommended that workers walk with extra pairs of socks to ensure their feet remain dry throughout the day. At times, face or eye protection may also be required and should be separate pieces to ensure exhaled moisture does not interfere with visibility. Eye protection should also protect from glare as well .
Some additional tips recommended by the CCOHS include staying well hydrated with warm beverages or soup and eating well-balanced meals to help keep body temperature up in the cold. Contrary to popular belief, caffeine should be avoided in cold weather conditions as it actually dehydrates and can stimulate the loss of body heat.
The Ontario Ministry of Labour (MOL) recommends that employers have a policy or procedure in place for cold weather conditions.
“The employer should implement a cold stress prevention program that establishes:
1. worker training in the hazards, health effects and prevention of cold related illness;
2. criteria or monitoring method (e.g. acting on wind chill warnings or cold alert notices by Environment Canada or measuring wind speed, and air temperature);
3. a monitoring/sampling plan (e.g. when, where and what to measure or monitor);
4. responses or preventative measures (e.g. dressing in proper layers of clothing, acclimatizing workers to working conditions and required protective clothing, establishing warm-up schedule, provide warm shelter, use buddy system, suitable equipment, pace of work to avoid sweating or low activity);
5. a plan to provide warm sweet drinks and soups (increases caloric intake and prevents dehydration which may increase risk of cold injury); and
6. first aid and emergency responses, including monitoring of worker symptoms, and investigating incidents of cold related illnesses ”
Act First Safety offers an online training course in Working at Temperatures (call for more details).
Joint Health and Safety Committee Representatives and Health and Safety Representatives should be considering cold weather hazards as part of their overall health and safety program. Act First Safety is a CPO-approved training provider for JHSC Representatives-Part 1 and Part 2.
For workers using propane heaters on a job site, Act First Safety provides an instructor-led TSSA-approved Propane Safety Training course. Visit us at https://actfirstsafety.ca/training/instructor-led/propane-in-construction/ for more information.
In partnership with a WSIB-approved training provider, Act First Safety offers a variety of first aid/CPR/AED training courses.
[1] https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/phys_agents/cold_working.html
[2] https://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/pubs/filmguide/gl_33.php