WHEN TEMPERATURES DROP, HAVING THE RIGHT COLD WEATHER GEAR IS CRITICAL.

Cold temperatures and winter conditions can make working outdoors uncomfortable, and it can be dangerous for crews not prepared for the elements. Prolonged exposure to the cold causes the body to use stored energy faster, which reduced productivity and can lead to serious job site safety issues.

There are some jobs where working outdoors, no matter the temperature, is a fact of life. Construction workers, farmers, truck drivers, airport ground crews, delivery people, road crews, tow truck operators, sanitation teams, transit workers, parking attendants, maintenance people and first responders are expected to be on the job even in harsh winter conditions.

Cold stress and injuries can come in many forms: frostbite, hypothermia, trench foot and chilblains are just some of the debilitating consequences of not being ready for the cold with the right gear and planning. And it’s not just sub-zero conditions. Workers can suffer cold stress even when the thermometer reads 60°, while they face wet or windy weather. These conditions are dangerous, could lead to long-term disabilities and can be life-threatening.

WINTER WEATHER JOB SITE CHALLENGES:

• AIR TEMPERATURE
• WIND VELOCITY
• HUMIDITY
• PRECIPITATION

Winter weather presents three different job site challenges: air temperature, wind velocity and humidity/precipitation levels. Each can result in a drop in the core temperature of an outdoor worker and other issues with exposed skin and vulnerable extremities, especially hands and feet. The good news is that crews can be prepared for the conditions. Making sure the workers on your job sites have the right gear not only helps to prevent potential serious injuries, it also serves to keep them focused and productive. Staying alert in winter is important because the weather can also bring wet and icy conditions, increasing the chance for slips and falls.

COLD WEATHER HAS AN IMPACT

A 2004 Cornell University study found that office workers were less productive and had significantly higher error rates when they worked in a “cold” 68° office compared to a “warm” 77° office. Decreased exercise rates because of inclement weather, and shifts in moods, sleeping patterns and eating habits caused by shorter periods of sunlight, lead to winter blues that can cause reduced work output, increased absenteeism and reduced overall wellness. It is no surprise that for workers who do jobs that have them outside in winter conditions most or all of the time, it can be a major struggle to work efficiently and effectively.

The 2007–2008 Tromsø Study looked at 6,533 men and women between the ages of 30 and 67 in Finland. Of this group, 779 reported working in cold conditions at least 25% of the time. The results showed that workers who regularly faced cold temperatures were more likely to report musculoskeletal pain in multiple parts of their bodies.

The U.S. Army has conducted extensive research into how humans function in severe cold-weather conditions. Scientists from the Army’s Research Institute of Environmental Medicine have studied how the military must adapt to operate in Arctic conditions. Army scientists believe training soldiers to spot the early signs of cold stress and understand actions to help recover are critical steps. Simple things like a lost glove or ignoring cold feet can lead to much bigger problems. Because the body decreases blood flow to the hands and feet in severe cold, a loss of hand dexterity often develops. This is a major issue for front-line troops. For this reason, the military has been testing a forearm heating device.

FROM 2003 TO 2019, ENVIRONMENTAL COLD RESULTED IN

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data for 2003 to 2019 found exposure to environmental cold resulted in 31 worker deaths and 2,770 serious injuries. The dangers of suffering cold-stress injuries increase when there is poor physical fitness or underlying health conditions, such as hypertension, hypothyroidism and diabetes. Improper dressing for the conditions and wet clothing are also contributing factors.

ARE YOU READY FOR WINTER?

As cold weather approaches, making sure your crews are ready for the worst of winter is important. Having uniform solutions that offer layered protection that keeps workers dry and heads, hands and feet warm is critical. You can also look for ways to shield work areas from wind and the elements, as well as providing radiant heaters or warm break areas.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Before you head to a job site it is best to know what the weather conditions will be like throughout the day.

The National Weather Service publishes a daily briefing that contains daily and long-range forecasts, as well as information on everything from earthquakes and volcanic activity to landslide warnings. Radar maps can help you adjust outdoor work plans by the hour, while tropical storm tracking, wildfire information and travel advisories can help you make longer-range scheduling decisions.

In many communities, local television stations have trained meteorologists who provide regional forecasts, and they may also offer weather alert services through an app or by text. These can be helpful throughout the year to monitor fast-changing conditions and approaching storms. If you are in an area without reliable access to local forecasts, you may want to purchase a weather radio that broadcasts over the VHF public service band. Using one of these radios provides 24/7/365 access to NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards broadcasts. These continuous broadcasts provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are designed to protect lives and property by covering everything from cold weather and blizzard warnings to tornado and tsunami alerts.