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Cold Weather Safety Tips for Outdoor Workers

November 4, 2019

Ground Thawing Safety SummerStep Heated Snow Mat Winter Preparation

ARTICLE AT-A-GLANCE

What Are the Essential Cold Weather Safety Tips for Outdoor Workers?

To ensure safety and well-being in cold conditions, outdoor workers should wear layered clothing, stay hydrated, take regular breaks in warm areas, wear insulated footwear, recognize signs of frostbite and hypothermia, ensure proper heat ventilation, prepare vehicles for winter driving and keep walkways clear of snow and ice.

Dress in Layers: Opt for loose-fitting, layered clothing to adjust to temperature changes and minimize skin exposure. Don’t forget waterproof gloves and insulated boots to maintain warmth and prevent frostbite.
Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Even in cold weather, hydration is crucial. Drink water regularly and maintain a balanced diet to keep energy levels up and support body heat production.
Schedule Regular Breaks: Take frequent breaks in warm areas to prevent cold stress. Use these intervals to monitor for signs of frostbite and hypothermia among workers.
Ensure Safe Work Environments: Clear snow and ice from walkways promptly to prevent slips and falls. Utilize tools like heated ground-thawing mats for continuous safety.
Implement Safety Protocols: Equip workers with proper PPE, ensure proper heat ventilation, and prepare vehicles for winter conditions to safeguard against cold-related hazards.

Industrial Winter Safety

Stay safe with these cold-weather safety tips for outdoor workers.

Cold Weather Safety Tips

Wear layered clothing
Stay hydrated, even when you think you are not sweating
Take regular breaks
Wear appropriate footwear
Understand signs and treatments for frostbite and hypothermia
Prepare your vehicle for winter driving
Clear snow and ice from walkways and paths

The leaves are falling, and so is the temperature. Winter will be here shortly. While it is beautiful and enchanting, winter can pose some major hazards if you haven’t prepared for it. Failing to recognize and respect the dangers of winter is not recommended.

Whether you are traveling through, working in, or enjoying the weather, the following cold weather safety tips for outdoor workers will ensure your safety and good health:

Wear Layered Clothing

Multiple layers of loose-fitting clothing allow the worker to adjust their comfort level and protection based on the current temperature. Tight-fitting clothes reduce blood circulation. Many forget the danger of sunburn when it is cold outside, but it is always important to protect yourself from the sun. Wear a hat, scarf, or face covering, and always wear waterproof gloves. The goal is to expose as little skin as possible. Also, it is wise to keep a change of clothes with you in case your existing clothes get wet. Being wet can increase the rate of heat loss from the body.

Stay Hydrated

It’s easy to forget the simple importance of hydration when it is cold outside. It’s not like the steamy summer months when we know we are sweating. You still sweat—even in cold temperatures. For optimal performance, keep the body hydrated with water.

Breaks are Good

When the weather is particularly cold and/or windy, regular breaks are important. If possible, take a break inside or under a shelter where you can warm up a bit. If it gets very cold, get inside and warm up.

Wear Good Shoes

Wear proper footwear when tackling winter weather. A pair of water-resistant and insulated boots with rubber treads are important for industrial winter safety. Slow your pace and shorten your steps when navigating snowy/icy walkways.

Know the Signs

Frostbite and hypothermia can set in unexpectedly. Get inside if you begin to experience either. If a co-worker seems to be manifesting signs of cold stress, help them get help immediately. Be aware of those around you and take care of each other.

Frostbite causes loss of feeling and color around the face, fingers, and toes.

What to look for:

Numbness
White or grayish-yellow skin
Firm or waxy skin

What to do:

Go to a warm room/location.
Soak in warm water.
Use body heat to warm.
Do not massage or use a heating pad.

Hypothermia is an unusually low body temperature. A temperature below 95 degrees is an emergency.

What to look for:

Shivering
Exhaustion
Confusion
Fumbling hands
Memory loss
Slurred speech
Drowsiness

What to do:

Go to a warm room
Warm the center of the body first—chest, neck, head, and groin
Keep dry and stay wrapped up in warm blankets. Do not neglect to cover the head and neck.

Proper Heat Ventilation

If using a non-electric heater, ensure that there is proper ventilation to let gasses like carbon monoxide escape. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent, deadly killer, claiming about 1,000 lives each year in the United States.

Install a carbon monoxide detector.
NEVER run generators indoors.
Open a window slightly when using a kerosene heater and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
NEVER use a gas oven to heat your home.
If your heat goes out, close off rooms you do not need, dress in layers of lightweight clothing, and wear a cap.

Prepare for Winter Driving

Top off your fluids, drive slowly, and allow yourself additional time to travel. Pay attention to changing road conditions.

Check your tires
Assess your battery
Top off your fluids (coolant, wiper fluid, oil, etc)
Have jumper cables
Pack a blanket/safety kit for emergencies

You never know when this preparation may save your life or the life of someone else. This website is an excellent resource for winter preparation and survival, ready.gov.

Clear the Path

Make sure that walkways, paths, stairs, and entries are free from snow and ice. Do this as quickly as possible when a winter storm sets in. Slips, trips, and falls will decrease dramatically when the path is clear.

While our Summerstep industrial snow-melting mats have been discontinued, Powerblanket’s ground-thawing and snow-melting blankets can be used in a similar way to enhance safety and reduce manual labor. Originally designed for thawing frozen ground, these durable heated mats are highly effective for melting snow and ice on walkways, stairs, and entry points—without the need for chemicals, salt, or backbreaking shoveling.

By applying steady, radiant heat, these mats help keep walking surfaces clear and dry even during active snowfall. They’re a reliable and efficient addition to your winter safety strategy, especially for industrial and commercial environments.

Always use proper engineering controls, safe work practices, and personal protective equipment (PPE) required by your employer in all work conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the OSHA tips for cold weather?

OSHA recommends staying dry, keeping extra clothing handy, drinking warm sweetened fluids, and avoiding contact with cold metal or wet surfaces to prevent heat loss and cold stress.

What are the safety tips for working in extreme cold weather?

To work safely in extreme cold, wear at least three layers of loose-fitting clothing, insulated gloves and boots, cover your head, and monitor both your physical condition and that of your coworkers for signs of cold stress.

What temperature is legally too cold to work outside?

While there is no specific legal temperature limit, employers must ensure worker safety in cold conditions, as even temperatures around 40°F can be hazardous with prolonged exposure, especially if it's windy or wet.

What are the 4 P's of winter safety?

The "Four Ps" of winter safety are people, pets, pipes, and plants, emphasizing the importance of dressing in layers and taking precautions to protect all four from cold weather.

Keep your steps, doorways and walkways safe this winter with our ground-thawing and snow-melting blankets.

Explore Ground Thawing Heated Blankets

Shelby Thompson

Shelby Thompson is the head of standard product sales for Powerblanket. He has a distinguished military career, having served in both Afghanistan and Iraq. In his time in the Marines, Shelby acquired an impressive skillset that he now uses in his current role. When he's not working, Shelby loves spending time outdoors with his wife, son, and daughter. He is also a semi-keen hunter, fair weather fisherman, and shooter. Unfortunately, Shelby also has something of an unlucky streak when it comes to Fantasy Football at the company.

Winter Safety Tips

by Shelby Thompson

September 6, 2019

summer step snow melting mats SummerStep Heated Snow Mat

ARTICLE AT-A-GLANCE

What Are the Essential Safety Tips for the Winter Season?

To stay safe during the winter season, ensure your home and vehicle are prepared for cold weather, dress in layers to prevent frostbite and hypothermia, and use tools like snow melting mats and windshield defrosters to manage snow and ice effectively.

Key Takeaways

Prepare Your Home and Vehicle: Ensure your home is winter-ready by sealing leaks, cleaning gutters, and checking heating systems. Equip your vehicle with winter tires, check tire pressure, and keep emergency supplies on hand.
Dress for the Cold: Layer clothing to protect against frostbite and hypothermia. Choose weather-resistant gear, including waterproof boots and insulated gloves, to stay warm and dry.
Drive Safely in Winter Conditions: Monitor weather forecasts and road conditions before traveling. Use snow melting mats and windshield defrosters to maintain visibility and traction.
Stay Safe During Winter Storms: Have a plan for power outages and avoid downed power lines. Keep emergency contacts and supplies accessible in case of severe weather.
Protect Against Cold-Related Health Risks: Recognize signs of frostbite and hypothermia, and take breaks to warm up when working or playing outdoors.

In preparation for the winter months, it’s important to consider what measures you will need to take to exercise proper winter safety. Planning and preparing can save you significant money in the long run, protect your health, and prevent serious winter injuries. We suggest you consider the following winter safety tips as you plan how you will best maintain safety during cold, snowy, or icy weather.

Winter Safety Tips

Winter Home Prep

Before the winter sets in, check your roof, doors, and windows for leaks and address needed repairs. Ensure seals around openings are intact and secure.

Clean out your rain gutters to help prevent ice dams from forming and damaging your gutters and home.

Give your heating system a check-up to make sure it is clean, unobstructed, and serviceable. This is also a good time to replace or clean out heating vents and air intakes. Set your thermostat to the correct temperatures and heating schedules.

Check your carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are functioning properly, and familiarize yourself with the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Remove tree branches that are weakened or in danger of breaking and falling on structures during snowfall.

Shut off external water valves and sprinkler systems.

Winter storms can be very destructive for utility lines. Keep a sharp eye out for downed power lines and contact your utility company right away. Downed lines and melting snow or ice are an extremely dangerous combination. Never try to repair downed lines yourself, call the professionals!

Snow Shoveling Precautions

Purchase de-icing salts, grit, and snow shovels before the first snow strikes.

Before you start shoveling snow, make sure to warm up your body and muscles to help prevent injury.

Wear proper clothing and footwear while shoveling.

Use your chosen salt and grit mixture to help maintain traction as you shovel.

Take breaks to rest and warm up as necessary, especially during your first snow shoveling session of the season.

Winter Driving Tips

Watch the Forecast and Road Conditions

During the winter, consider downloading a weather app or signing up for mobile weather alerts. Keeping a close eye on Mother Nature will help you plan and possibly avoid driving during heavy storms or deep freezes. For longer drives, make sure you look ahead at the weather and road conditions along your entire route.

Many municipalities provide public access to transportation traffic cameras and road condition maps. Take a good look at your route before heading out the door so you can be prepared for the winter conditions that await you.

Winter Car Prep

It is important to prepare your car for winter before sub-freezing temperatures hit.

Check the temperature rating of your windshield fluid to ensure it will keep flowing when it drops below 32° F.

Cold temperatures can cause the air in your tires to compress and lose pressure. Invest in an inexpensive tire pressure gauge and keep it in your car so you can easily check your tires even when you are out and about.

Make sure you also have a durable ice scraper in your car before snow hits.

Even minor car trouble on the side of an icy road can spell real trouble for motorists. Before making longer drives during the winter, pack extra food and water in case of emergencies. Your body uses a lot more energy during the winter to stay warm, and a pack of emergency supplies will be desperately needed.

Have emergency roadside numbers and insurance info readily available for unforeseen winter car troubles. Familiarize yourself with your coverage and know what options you have at hand before you need help getting your car out of a snowbank!

Depending on where you live and work, consider switching to winter tires during the snowy season.

Safe Car Warming Practices

Popular Mechanics advises to only let your car warm up for as long as you need to get the defroster up and running. Be sure to NEVER warm up your car in an enclosed area or garage to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

For vehicles with conventional keys, you should also avoid starting your car and walking away while it warms up. Unattended, warming-up cars are a favorite target for wintertime car thieves! You should also educate yourself about your state’s anti-idling laws to help you avoid costly tickets.

Consider using a heated windshield defroster to save you time and hassle every time you need to leave your house. Windshield defrosters can also help warm your vehicle’s cabin so your car is ready to go when you are.

Workplace Winter Safety Tips

Frostbite and Hypothermia

Be familiar with and watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia and get immediate medical attention for any symptoms. Employers should schedule outside work in shorter increments and break up large projects into smaller tasks. In addition, employers should establish a warm area for employees to take breaks from outside work.

Never wear wet clothing during cold temperatures. Wet clothing loses its ability to insulate and quickly transmits cold temperatures directly to the wearer’s body. It is always worth keeping a spare set of dry clothes around (especially socks, gloves, or underclothing).

Personal Protective Equipment

Winter conditions usually require changes to the footwear you typically use. Choose shoes and boots that provide adequate warmth and traction for ice and snow.

Look closely at the tags on your protective clothing and make sure you know which pieces are weather-resistant, waterproof, or cold-temperature-rated.

When working outside, ensure you and your employees wear appropriate clothing for your local weather conditions. Appropriate winter clothing includes waterproof boots, wind-resistant jackets, gloves/mittens, hats, and wraps for faces and ears.

Powerblanket Winter Safety Solutions

Powerblanket specializes in winter safety solutions to keep you safe and restore your peace of mind.

Windshield Defrosters

Powerblanket’s WarmGuard Windshield Defroster safely heats your car’s windshield and prevents snow and ice accumulation. Additionally, this product will raise the temperature of your car’s interior and make your car comfortable to drive without waiting around, so you can get to work on time. Our windshield heaters are also good for the environment by eliminating wasted gasoline and preventing exhaust emissions that pollute our air and contribute to winter smog.

Snow Melting Mats

Ground-thawing heated mats are designed to be left outside all winter long. You can create the coverage you need to fit your location with our various sizes available. Our ground-thawing and snow-melting blankets melt approximately 2 inches of snow per hour while operating. Save yourself from the time-consuming and backbreaking work of snow shoveling. Protect your concrete and landscaping from harsh de-icing salts. By adding these mats to your winter safety plans, you can restore your peace of mind every time you set foot outside the door.

Contact Powerblanket today to find the perfect ice injury prevention for your needs at 866.945.4203 or [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the safety tips for winter?

To stay safe during winter, remain indoors when possible, dress in layers of warm clothing, and avoid overexertion by taking breaks during activities like snow shoveling.

What are the 4 P's of winter safety?

The "Four Ps" of winter safety are people, pets, pipes, and plants, emphasizing the need to protect each from the cold by ensuring warmth and safety measures are in place.

What precautions should be taken in winter season?

Wear layered clothing made of wool or thermal materials to retain body heat, and ensure extremities are covered with gloves, hats, and socks to prevent cold-related injuries.

What are 3 winter storm safety tips?

During a winter storm, wear several layers of loose-fitting, warm clothing, opt for mittens over gloves, and wear a hat to minimize body heat loss.

Keep your steps, doorways and walkways safe this winter with our ground-thawing and snow-melting blankets.

Explore Ground Thawing Heated Blankets

Shelby Thompson

Cold Weather Construction Safety

by Shelby Thompson

January 3, 2018

Bulk Material Heater Bulk Material Warmer Construction Industry Freeze Protection Pallet Freeze Protection Pallet Heater Pallet Warmer Safety Winter Preparation winter safety

ARTICLE AT-A-GLANCE

How Can You Ensure Construction Worker Safety in Cold Weather?

To ensure construction worker safety in cold weather, implement strategies such as monitoring weather forecasts, limiting exposure to harsh elements, establishing warm break areas, ensuring proper hydration, mandating warm and dry clothing, recognizing signs of frostbite and hypothermia, removing snow and ice, winterizing vehicles and equipment, and protecting critical materials.

Key Takeaways

Monitor Weather Conditions: Stay informed with real-time weather updates to anticipate and plan for adverse conditions, ensuring worker safety and efficient scheduling.
Limit Exposure and Provide Warm Breaks: Reduce time spent in harsh elements by breaking tasks into smaller segments and offering heated break areas to prevent cold-related health issues.
Ensure Proper Clothing and Hydration: Mandate the use of non-slip boots, heavy coats, gloves, and hats, and emphasize the importance of staying hydrated to maintain worker health and safety.
Recognize and Respond to Cold Stress Symptoms: Educate workers on the signs of frostbite and hypothermia, ensuring quick response and medical attention when necessary.
Prepare Jobsite and Equipment: Regularly clear snow and ice, winterize vehicles and equipment, and protect critical materials to maintain a safe and productive work environment.

Cold Weather Safety for Construction

The construction industry is a high risk industry, regardless of the time of year. But when cold temperatures, snow, ice, and wind are added to the mix, precautions must be in place to protect your workforce, equipment, materials, and the job.

Preparing and educating your employees on cold weather winter safety best practices can reduce the rate of illness, injury, and dangerous accidents. Always emphasize “safety first.”

Winter Construction Safety Tips

For trade specific guidelines on how to keep your crew and job site safe visit OSHA to start winter off on the right foot.

Know the forecast

Pay attention to changing weather conditions. Today we enjoy the benefit of real time updates on our phones and computers. Sign up for weather alert notifications so you can stay updated out in the field. When the weather outside is unsuitable for outside work, reschedule.

Limit exposure to the elements

Wind chill can take an existing temperature from workable to downright miserable. And when wind and low temperatures are combined, it can be hard to reduce exposure for workers. Your employees were not made to be outdoors in these elements for long periods of time. Shorten the duration of outside work and break up larger projects into smaller tasks. Educate yourself on early and late symptoms of hypothermia so you can keep a watchful eye on your crew. Keep a lookout for excessive shivering, fatigue, coordination loss, and disorientation. Have a plan in place to quickly warm and dry anyone exhibiting these symptoms.

Establish a warm break area

Outside work is absolutely unavoidable for the construction industry, but workers need a place away from the elements to take a break. A heated trailer or a tent with portable heaters and appropriate ventilation works great. Educate supervisors and workers on proper safety procedures with heating devices.

Emphasize proper hydration

We forget that our bodies sweat, even when it is cold outside, and especially when we are wearing extra layers of clothing. Keep plenty of water on hand. While many workers think caffeinated drinks will get them through their day, water is what the body really needs.

Require clothing that will keep workers warm and dry

Boots with non-slip soles, heavy coats, gloves, and hats are all essential for protecting the body from severe cold weather. Proper clothing is the first step in preventing hypothermia and frostbite and for cold weather protection.

Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia

Even when employers do everything they can to protect workers, issues can still arise. Supervisors and workers need to know the symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite so that if anyone shows these signs, they can receive immediate medical attention.

Remove Snow and Ice

Check the job site early each day, before the work begins, for snow and ice accumulation and for any additional hazards. Be prepared with salt or sand and remove large patches of snow and ice. Snow and ice removal, if left to the crew, will slow down the job and deplete their energy.

Winterize and prepare vehicles

Before heading into the cold season, inspected all vehicles and equipment to determine if they are prepared for cold weather construction. Top off fluids, check tire tread and air pressure, and change filters. Equip all vehicles with winter kits that contain an ice scraper, snow brush, shovel, tow chain, flashlight with extra batteries, emergency flares, a blanket, snacks and water. Also, educate workers on what to do and who to call if they are stranded in a vehicle.

Prepare and protect equipment

In addition to preparing vehicles for winter safety, smaller construction equipment also needs attention. Air compressors work best in well-ventilated areas with an ambient temperature in the compressor system’s optimal range, typically 40-95°F. If the temperature around your compressor becomes too hot or too cold, the compressor may not start or may exhibit performance issues. Moisture control also becomes a factor. Moisture that becomes ice can accumulate and affect the way the system runs, blocking drainage and preventing efficient compression.

Protect Critical Materials

Adhesives, concrete, shingles, paint, caulk, resins, epoxies, and other construction materials need additional protection during cold weather construction. Winter safety also includes keeping these materials at proper temperatures for application. Failing to protect critical materials could result in shoddy work that affects the overall finished product.

Powerblanket Winter Construction Solutions

We know that shutting down for the “off season” is a financially risky proposition. With Powerblanket, there is no off season. We specialize in providing winter construction crews with the tools they need to get back to work.

Hot boxes are ideal for cold weather construction safety, freeze protection, transporting, job site heating, remote location use, and winter roofing. Standard Hot Boxes hold product between 100°F and 120°F (38°C and 49°C) –optional adjustable thermostatic controllers allow precise temperature control. They are quick and easy to assemble and transport from job site to job site. Heat and protect a wide variety of container shapes and sizes. Access doors on 2 sides provide you with easy access to your materials whenever you need them.

Powerblanket enables construction crews to take back control during the winter and get back on schedule. Protect expensive equipment, reduce wintertime waste, keep your workers safe, and keep operations running with Powerblanket. We also specialize in custom requests and quickly assess your needs and find the perfect temperature control products for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How cold is too cold for construction?

When temperatures drop below 10°F, the risk of hypothermia and frostbite becomes significant, and it's advisable to postpone outdoor work or move it indoors until conditions improve.

Does OSHA have a cold weather rule?

While OSHA does not have a specific standard for cold environments, employers are required to ensure a workplace free from recognized hazards, including those related to winter weather.

What are the safety rules for cold weather?

Key safety rules for cold weather include limiting outdoor exposure, wearing layers of warm clothing, and avoiding overexertion to reduce the risk of cold-related health issues.

How cold is too cold for working conditions?

There is no legally defined temperature deemed too cold to work, but sub-zero temperatures or wind chills below -17 degrees suggest that staying indoors is advisable for safety.

The Powerblanket Hot Box is the perfect solution for your bulk material heating needs.

Explore Hot Boxes

Shelby Thompson

Cold Weather Safety Tips for Outdoor Workers

ARTICLE AT-A-GLANCE

What Are the Essential Cold Weather Safety Tips for Outdoor Workers?

Industrial Winter Safety

Cold Weather Safety Tips

Wear Layered Clothing

Stay Hydrated

Breaks are Good

Wear Good Shoes

Know the Signs

What to look for:

What to do:

What to look for:

What to do:

Proper Heat Ventilation

Prepare for Winter Driving

Clear the Path<img decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-7890" src="https://www.powerblanket.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Summerstep1-300x183.jpg" alt="snow melting mats on snow covered cement stairs " width="412" height="251" />

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the OSHA tips for cold weather?

What are the safety tips for working in extreme cold weather?

What temperature is legally too cold to work outside?

What are the 4 P's of winter safety?

Related posts

Popular Posts

Winter Safety Tips

ARTICLE AT-A-GLANCE

What Are the Essential Safety Tips for the Winter Season?

Key Takeaways

Winter Safety Tips

Winter Home Prep

Snow Shoveling Precautions

Winter Driving Tips

Watch the Forecast and Road Conditions

Winter Car Prep

Safe Car Warming Practices

Workplace Winter Safety Tips

Frostbite and Hypothermia

Personal Protective Equipment

Powerblanket Winter Safety Solutions

Windshield Defrosters

Snow Melting Mats

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the safety tips for winter?

What are the 4 P's of winter safety?

What precautions should be taken in winter season?

What are 3 winter storm safety tips?

Related posts

Cold Weather Construction Safety

ARTICLE AT-A-GLANCE

How Can You Ensure Construction Worker Safety in Cold Weather?

Key Takeaways

Cold Weather Safety for Construction

Winter Construction Safety Tips

Know the forecast

Limit exposure to the elements

Establish a warm break area

Emphasize proper hydration

Require clothing that will keep workers warm and dry

Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia

Remove Snow and Ice

Winterize and prepare vehicles

Prepare and protect equipment

Protect Critical Materials

<img decoding="async" class="wp-image-8771 aligncenter" src="https://www.powerblanket.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Critical-Materials-Quote-1.png" alt="protect critical construction materials" width="429" height="205" />

Powerblanket Winter Construction Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions

How cold is too cold for construction?

Does OSHA have a cold weather rule?

What are the safety rules for cold weather?

How cold is too cold for working conditions?

Related posts

Clear the Path