Cold Weather Safety

Winter weather can expose employees to multiple types of cold illnesses. A cold environment causes the body to work harder to maintain its temperature, which burns more energy and can stress the immune system. Taking proper precautions can help prevent frostbite, hypothermia, cold stress, trench foot, and more. All of these are severe conditions with the potential of being fatal.

Here are a few ways to help prepare for these weather conditions and avoid these complications.

• Dress properly. Wear at least three layers of clothing, gloves, boots, and a hat.
• Take frequent breaks in warm areas.
• Drink warm liquids.
• Monitor your physical condition.
• Know the symptoms of cold stress: tingling, pain, numbness, blisters, etc.
• Stay dry because moisture or dampness can increase the rate of heat loss from the body.

If you are ever feeling a symptom of a cold weather condition, stop working and enter a warm environment. Call 911 immediately in an emergency; otherwise seek medical assistance as soon as possible.

Contact your supervisor if additional winter weather Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is needed.

If you are ever feeling a symptom of a cold weather condition, stop working and enter a warm environment. Always feel free to reach out to your supervisor if additional winter weather Personal Protective Equipment is needed.

For more information or questions about cold weather safety, please speak with your supervisor or contact a Campus Life Safety and Regulatory Compliance team member.