5 Tips to Stay Safe When Working in the Cold

The start of winter is right around the corner, which means the temperatures will continue to drop until next year. Working in cold environments can pose serious risks to employees, some of which include the potential for hypothermia, frostbite, trenchfoot, and general overexertion. So, what steps can you take to protect against cold-related occupational injury this winter?

Keep Dry

The golden rule to follow when working in cold environments is to stay dry. As noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), water conducts heat away from the body 25x faster than air. As a result, being wet can quickly lead to hypothermia. Workers in outdoor environments should wear waterproof, synthetic clothes and jackets to stay dry dry during the winter.

Schedule Work for Mid-Day

When possible, try to perform work during the mid-day hours instead of early in the morning or late at night. By working during the mid-day, you can take advantage of the sun's natural warmth. It's not uncommon for temperatures to be 20-30 degrees higher during the day as opposed to night. Unfortunately, though, this isn't always an option for workers. But if you have the option to work during the mid-day, take advantage of it.

Drink Plenty of Water

Did you know that 3 out 4 Americans go throughout their daily lives dehydrated? While most people associate dehydration as a condition that occurs during the hot spring and summer months, it can also occur during the cold winter months as well. In fact, the symptoms of hypothermia are often masked by the cold temperatures, making it even more dangerous. A good rule of thumb to follow when working -- regardless of the season -- is to drink a minimum of eight, 8-ounce glasses of water per day.

Wear Multiple Layers

It's recommended that workers wear multiple layers of clothing during the winter. As the temperatures begin to rise throughout the day, you may feel warm or even hot, at which point you can strip off an outer layer. And if the temperatures begin to drop again, you can always place the additional layer back on.

Use a Buddy System

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends workers use a "buddy system" in cold environments. As the name suggests, this is a partnership in which two workers watch over each other for signs of illness and injury.