Cold stress

Key points

1. 1Dress in layers: a base layer that pulls sweat away, a warm middle layer, and a wind- and water-resistant outer layer. Take a layer off before you start sweating hard, and put it back on when you slow down.
2. 2Keep your head, hands, and feet covered. Wear a liner under your hard hat, insulated gloves, and waterproof boots, and bring spare socks and gloves.
3. 3Wet clothes steal heat fast. If you get soaked from rain, snow, or sweat, change into dry clothes as soon as you can.
4. 4Take warm-up breaks in the truck or a heated area, especially on windy days. Drink warm, sweet drinks and water, and eat to keep your energy up.
5. 5Know the warning signs. Numbness, pale or waxy skin on fingers, toes, ears, or nose can mean frostbite. Heavy shivering, confusion, slurred speech, or clumsiness can mean hypothermia.
6. 6Work in pairs and check on your partner. If someone shows signs of hypothermia, get them to a warm place, remove wet clothes, tell the foreman, and call 911 if it looks serious.
7. 7Watch for ice on walkways, ladders, and scaffold planks. Clear it, spread sand or salt, and walk with short steps.

Talk it over

• Where on this site are we most exposed to wind or wet conditions, and what can we do about it?
• Where is our warm-up spot, and are we actually using it during the day?
• Have you ever felt early signs of frostbite or hypothermia? What did you notice first?

Also in the other language: Estrés por frío

Official sources

• OSHA — Winter weather — cold stress

More toolbox talks

• Hand tool safety
• Rebar and impalement hazards
• Emergency action plan