Employers have a responsibility to provide working conditions that are free from recognized hazards, including those related to winter weather. These hazards include slippery roads and working surfaces, strong winds and low temperatures that can lead to cold stress conditions such as hypothermia. To protect the safety and health of workers whose jobs expose them to these hazards, employers should:
- Train workers to recognize and treat symptoms of cold stress, and avoid hazards from slippery roads and surfaces, windy conditions, and downed power lines.
- Provide engineering controls such as radiant heaters to warm workplaces like outdoor security stations, and work areas that are shielded from drafts or wind to reduce wind chill.
- Implement safe work practices such as scheduling jobs that expose workers to the cold weather in the warmer part of the day and limiting the amount of time spent outdoors in extremely low temperatures.
- Consider providing protective winter weather gear including, coats, jackets and gloves.
For more information, visit OSHA's Winter Weather webpage.
