Cold Weather Safety

Snow · snow

Freezing temperatures create serious health risks that develop faster than most people realize. Physical exertion combined with cold air makes outdoor winter work uniquely dangerous. Crew welfare is not optional — it is an operational requirement.

Cold-Related Injury Recognition & Response

Hypothermia presents as uncontrollable shivering, slurred speech, confusion, drowsiness, and loss of coordination. If any crew member shows these signs, move them to a warm vehicle or heated space immediately and call 911. Frostbite shows as numbness or tingling in fingers, toes, ears, or nose; skin turning pale, white, or grayish-yellow; skin feeling firm or waxy. Do not rub frostbitten areas — warm gradually with body heat or lukewarm water, never hot.

Carbon monoxide is odorless and lethal. Never idle equipment or vehicles in enclosed spaces such as garages or loading docks with closed doors. CO can cause unconsciousness within minutes in an enclosed area.

  • Hypothermia: shivering, slurred speech, confusion — move to warmth, call 911
  • Frostbite: numbness, pale/waxy skin — warm gradually, never rub
  • CO poisoning: never idle equipment in enclosed spaces

Cold Weather Protection & Protocols

Layer clothing with a moisture-wicking base (polyester or merino wool — never cotton), insulating mid layer (fleece or down), and windproof/waterproof outer shell. Adjust layers to prevent sweating — sweat in cold weather accelerates heat loss dramatically. Mandatory warm-up breaks: 15 minutes in a heated space for every 2 hours outdoors when below 20°F. Below 0°F, increase to 15 minutes every 90 minutes. Below -25°F wind chill, reduced operations at management discretion with crew rotation every 60 minutes. Below -40°F wind chill, emergency cease-work — all outdoor operations stop.

Wear ice cleats on all footwear during snow and ice operations — more injuries come from slips on ice than from any equipment-related cause. For night and early morning work, wear ANSI Class 2 or higher reflective gear and ensure all vehicle lights function. No crew member works alone during storms or in temperatures below 10°F. Pairs check on each other every 30 minutes and report to the crew leader every 2 hours. Hydration matters as much in winter as summer — cold air is extremely dry and exertion causes significant fluid loss through respiration. Keep emergency supplies in every vehicle: extra gloves, hand warmers, wool blanket, flashlight, phone charger, and high-calorie snacks.

  • Layer system: wicking base, insulating mid, windproof/waterproof shell — never cotton
  • Warm-up breaks: 15 min every 2 hrs below 20°F; 15 min every 90 min below 0°F; crew rotation every 60 min below -25°F; cease work below -40°F
  • Ice cleats on all footwear — mandatory for all snow and ice operations
  • Buddy system: no one works alone below 10°F; pairs check in every 30 minutes
  • Emergency supplies in every vehicle: gloves, warmers, blanket, charger, snacks

Checklists

Cold Weather Safety Checklist

  • All crew members wearing proper layered clothing
  • Ice cleats available and worn by all personnel
  • Warm-up break schedule established based on temperature
  • Buddy system in place — no one working alone
  • Reflective gear worn for low-light operations
  • Emergency supplies stocked in every vehicle
  • Crew briefed on hypothermia and frostbite warning signs