Cold Stress and Working Safely in Frigid Conditions
Learning objectives
- Recognize conditions that lead to cold stress and identify symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite.
- Select proper clothing for cold, wet, and windy conditions.
- Apply prevention measures, including hydration, nutrition, and using protective gear and heat shelters.
- Demonstrate proper response to cold stress, including first aid for hypothermia and frostbite.
- Follow safety protocols such as scheduling breaks, using the buddy system, and avoiding direct contact with cold surfaces.
- Understand employer responsibilities, including worker monitoring, providing warm beverages, and using engineering controls like radiant heaters.
Course overview
Working in cold environments can lead to serious health risks, especially when temperatures drop below freezing or wind chill accelerates heat loss. This course explores how cold affects the body, how to recognize early signs of cold stress, and how to respond quickly and effectively to protect yourself and your team.
The individuals involved in the development and promotion of this course do not receive any compensation or financial benefits outside of their regular employment for their work on this course.
- 11 minutes
- Format: Video
- Tier: 2
- Course ID: 7334
English
Course Outline
- The Dangers of Working in the Cold
- Conditions and Symptoms
- Protecting Against Cold Stress
- Responding to Cold Stress
- Employer Responsibilities
Regulations
- Federal OSHA Emergency Preparedness, Cold Stress Guide
- Federal OSHA Winter Weather Preparedness
- Federal OSHA, Winter Weather, Cold Stress, 2012
- Federal OSHA Quick Card, Protecting Workers from Cold Stress
- CDC - Cold Stress - NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic
- University of Alaska Fairbanks, Department of Recreation, Adventure, and Wellness, Dressing for the Cold, 2012
- Boating Safety and Safe Boating Blog, Surviving Cold Water Immersion, 2010
- Mayo Clinic, First Aid, Frostbite, 2017
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention, NIOSH, Cold Stress - Cold Related Illnesses, 2016