# Cold stress

URL: https://hardhatbinder.com/en/toolbox-talks/cold-stress
Last updated: 2026-10-23

Cold weather is here, and we work outside in it all day. Cold, wind, and wet clothes can pull heat out of your body faster than you notice. This week we look out for ourselves and each other so nobody ends up with frostbite or hypothermia.

## Key points

1. Dress 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. Keep 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. Wet clothes steal heat fast. If you get soaked from rain, snow, or sweat, change into dry clothes as soon as you can.
4. Take 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. Know 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. Work 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. Watch 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?

> **Remember:** Stay dry, stay covered, take warm breaks, and watch your partner.

## Official sources

- [OSHA](https://www.osha.gov/winter-weather/cold-stress) — Winter weather — cold stress

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Source: HardHat Binder, operated by Leadspire LLC. Templates to be reviewed by a competent person before use; not legal advice; not affiliated with OSHA.