At a glance
- No specific OSHA standard covers this topic. Guidance: CDC/NIOSH cold stress. Weather gear and who pays: 29 CFR 1926.95(d)(4)(ii).
- About 5 minutes: read the script out loud, then ask the three questions.
- Free PDF: the script, the questions, the rule and a 20-line sign-in sheet. No account, no email.
Read this to your crew
Today's talk is about the cold. Cold stress happens when the body loses heat faster than it can make it. Wind and wet clothing speed that up, so a damp, windy day can be harder on the body than a still, dry one that reads colder on the thermometer.
There are four cold illnesses to know. Hypothermia: body temperature drops too low. Early signs are shivering, fatigue, loss of coordination and confusion; later, the shivering stops, the skin turns blue, and breathing and pulse slow down. Frostbite: freezing of the skin and the tissue under it, most often the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes; it starts with numbness, tingling or stinging and pale or waxy skin. Trench foot: feet that stay wet and cold for a long time, even at temperatures as high as 60 degrees F. Chilblains: red, itchy, inflamed skin from repeated exposure to cold.
Dress for it. Several loose layers hold heat better than one thick coat. Waterproof, insulated boots. A hat, or a liner under the hard hat. Carry spare socks and gloves, and change them when they get wet.
Work smart in the cold. We put the coldest jobs in the warmest part of the day when we can, take breaks in a warm place, and drink warm, non-alcoholic drinks. Do not touch cold metal with bare skin.
Watch each other, because hypothermia clouds judgment and the person may not know it is happening. If a coworker starts stumbling, slurring or acting confused, get them out of the cold.
First aid. For hypothermia: tell me and call for medical help, move the person to a warm place, take off wet clothing and warm them gradually under a blanket. Warm drinks only if they are conscious, and no alcohol. If there is no pulse, start CPR if you are trained. For frostbite: get indoors, warm the area with warm, not hot, water or body heat, and do not rub it. Keep heat lamps and heating pads off numb skin; it burns easily.
Three questions for the crew
- What are the early signs of hypothermia?
Listen for: Shivering, fatigue, loss of coordination, confusion. - Where is the warm-up spot on this site, and when will we use it today?
Listen for: A specific place, and breaks planned for the coldest stretch of the day. - What do you do if a coworker starts acting confused or clumsy in the cold?
Listen for: Get them out of the cold, tell the supervisor, call for medical help and warm them gradually.
Is there an OSHA cold stress standard?
No specific OSHA standard covers this topic. This talk adds no obligation; its guidance comes from the CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
One rule does touch winter gear. Protective equipment used to comply with the construction standards is provided at no cost to employees (29 CFR 1926.95(d)(1)), but the employer is not required to pay for ordinary clothing and items used solely for protection from weather, such as winter coats, jackets, gloves, parkas, rubber boots and hats (29 CFR 1926.95(d)(4)(ii)). General industry has the same exception (29 CFR 1910.132(h)(4)(iii)).
The paragraphs, word for word:
“(4) The employer is not required to pay for: (i) Everyday clothing, such as long-sleeve shirts, long pants, street shoes, and normal work boots; or (ii) Ordinary clothing, skin creams, or other items, used solely for protection from weather, such as winter coats, jackets, gloves, parkas, rubber boots, hats, raincoats, ordinary sunglasses, and sunscreen.”
How do you tell the four cold illnesses apart?
| Illness | Signs | First aid |
|---|---|---|
| Hypothermia | Shivering, fatigue, loss of coordination, confusion; later no shivering, blue skin, slow pulse and breathing | Medical help, a warm place, wet clothes off, warm gradually; CPR if there is no pulse |
| Frostbite | Numbness, tingling or stinging, aching, pale or waxy skin | A warm room, warm (not hot) water or body heat, no rubbing |
| Trench foot | Red skin, numbness, leg cramps, swelling, tingling pain, blisters | Wet boots and socks off, dry the feet, avoid walking on them |
| Chilblains | Redness, itching, possible blistering, inflammation | No scratching, warm slowly, keep blisters clean and covered |
Source: CDC/NIOSH, Cold-related Illnesses in Workers.