(OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Compliant)
Provider: OpsIntegrity^TM

Purpose:
The purpose of this training is to ensure that all employees working in cold environments understand the causes, symptoms, and preventive strategies for cold stress. This training also explains employer and employee responsibilities on multi-employer worksites to protect workers from cold-related hazards.

Introduction

Cold stress occurs when the body is unable to maintain its normal temperature. Prolonged exposure to cold conditions, combined with wetness and wind, can lower body temperature and result in serious medical emergencies.

• Cold stress is not limited to extreme sub-zero temperatures. It can occur at temperatures above freezing, especially when workers are wet, fatigued, or exposed to strong winds.
• OSHA requires employers to provide a workplace free of recognized hazards, including cold stress.
• Awareness and preparation are key to preventing cold-related illnesses and injuries.

Our Most Important Objective: A Safe and Healthful Workplace

At OpsIntegrity, we believe that maintaining a safe and healthful workplace is the highest priority for every employer and employee. This principle forms the foundation of all training modules and safety resources provided through the OpsIntegrity system.

Employers are responsible for:

• Providing a workplace free from recognized hazards.
• Complying with OSHA standards and other applicable safety regulations.
• Promoting continuous improvement in safety practices.
• Empowering workers to report safety concerns without fear of retaliation.

Employees are responsible for:

• Following safety procedures and practices at all times.
• Reporting safety concerns, hazards, or near misses.
• Actively supporting the safety culture of their workplace.

Through OpsIntegrity’s shared resources, training, and compliance tools, employers and employees work together to identify risks, prevent injuries, and maintain a strong commitment to safety excellence.

Safety is not just a policy. It is a shared responsibility and a daily practice.

Types of Cold Stress

• Hypothermia: A dangerous drop in body temperature (below 95°F). Symptoms include shivering, confusion, slurred speech, loss of coordination, drowsiness, and unconsciousness.
• Frostbite: Freezing of skin and underlying tissues. Common in fingers, toes, ears, and nose. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, hard or waxy skin, blisters, and tissue death in severe cases.
• Trench Foot (Immersion Foot): Caused by prolonged exposure to wet and cold conditions. Symptoms include redness, swelling, numbness, and blistering.
• Chilblains: Skin inflammation caused by repeated exposure to cold and damp conditions. Symptoms include redness, itching, blistering, and ulcers.

Risk Factors for Cold Stress

Cold stress is influenced by a combination of environmental, workplace, and individual conditions. Recognizing these risk factors allows both employers and employees to plan preventive measures and reduce exposure.

• Low Temperatures Combined with Wind Chill
  Even moderately cold air can feel much colder when the wind is strong. Wind strips away the thin layer of warm air that the body naturally maintains around the skin, causing body heat to be lost more quickly. This increases the likelihood of hypothermia and frostbite. For example, an air temperature of 40°F with a 20-mph wind has the same cooling effect as 28°F with no wind.
• Wet Clothing or Immersion in Water
  Moisture dramatically increases heat loss because water conducts heat away from the body up to 25 times faster than air. Clothing that becomes wet from rain, snow, or sweat loses much of its insulation value, making the body more vulnerable to cold stress. Immersion in water, even at relatively mild temperatures, can result in rapid onset of hypothermia.
• Prolonged Outdoor Work Without Adequate Breaks
  Continuous exposure to cold environments without access to warm shelter increases strain on the body. Workers who remain outdoors for long periods may not realize how quickly their core temperature is dropping. Regular breaks in heated or sheltered areas are essential to allow the body to recover.
• Fatigue, Dehydration, or Poor Physical Condition
  Tired or dehydrated workers are less able to regulate body temperature. Dehydration is common in cold weather because workers often drink less water, mistakenly believing they don’t need it. Fatigue or poor physical condition also reduces circulation efficiency and weakens the body’s defense against cold stress.
• Inadequate or Improper Clothing
  Clothing that does not provide proper insulation, layering, or protection against wind and moisture leaves workers at greater risk. Cotton, for example, absorbs and retains moisture, which can increase heat loss. Workers not wearing hats or gloves may lose significant body heat, since 30–40% of body heat can escape through the head and extremities. Proper layering and protective outer garments are essential.

Prevention Strategies

Preventing cold stress requires a combination of proper planning, protective equipment, and safe work practices. The following strategies are essential for reducing risk:

Proper Clothing
Layering is the most effective way to stay warm. Each layer serves a purpose:

• Inner layer: Wicks moisture away from the body (synthetic or wool, not cotton).
• Middle layer: Provides insulation (fleece, wool, or down).
• Outer layer: Protects against wind and moisture (windproof and waterproof materials).
  Loose-fitting clothing allows better circulation of warm air and prevents restriction of movement. Hats, insulated gloves or mittens, thermal socks, and waterproof boots are critical, as extremities are most vulnerable to frostbite. A balaclava or face mask may also be necessary in extreme cold or windy conditions.

Stay Dry
Wet clothing loses nearly all its insulating value and accelerates heat loss. Workers should change out of wet clothing, socks, or gloves immediately. Carrying extra clothing or socks is a simple but highly effective prevention measure. Rain gear, waterproof boots, and moisture-wicking base layers reduce the risk of becoming wet from precipitation, sweat, or ground contact.

Work/Rest Cycles
Prolonged exposure to cold environments should be broken up with regular warming periods. Workers should take scheduled breaks in warm, sheltered areas such as heated trailers, tents, or vehicles. Rest cycles should be increased as temperatures drop, winds rise, or tasks require greater physical exertion. Employers should monitor weather conditions and adjust work schedules to minimize exposure during extreme cold.

Hydration and Nutrition
Cold weather reduces the sensation of thirst, but dehydration is common and can impair the body’s ability to regulate heat. Workers should drink warm, non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic fluids throughout the shift. High-energy foods, especially those rich in carbohydrates and healthy fats, provide fuel for the body to generate heat. Soups, warm beverages, and calorie-dense snacks are excellent choices for cold-weather work.

Buddy System
Working in pairs or small groups ensures that someone is always monitoring for signs of cold stress. Early symptoms such as slurred speech, confusion, or uncontrolled shivering may not be noticed by the affected individual but can be recognized quickly by a coworker. The buddy system promotes accountability, quick response, and prevention of severe outcomes.

Engineering and Administrative Controls
Employers should implement controls that reduce exposure and support worker safety:

• Heated shelters, warming stations, or radiant heaters placed strategically around the worksite.
• Windbreaks or barriers to reduce wind chill in exposed areas.
• Adjusted work schedules that reduce time outdoors during the coldest parts of the day.
• Job rotation to limit prolonged exposure of individual workers.
• Training and signage to remind workers of safe practices and early symptom recognition.

Recognizing and Responding to Cold Stress

Quick recognition and immediate action can prevent cold stress conditions from becoming life-threatening. Every worker should be trained not only to monitor their own health but also to watch for early warning signs in others.

• Train All Workers to Recognize Early Symptoms
  Early signs of cold stress can be subtle. Workers must know how to identify:
  • Hypothermia: Uncontrollable shivering, slurred speech, confusion, loss of coordination, and drowsiness.
  • Frostbite: Numbness, tingling, or stinging in fingers, toes, ears, or nose; skin appearing waxy, white, or bluish; hard or frozen-feeling skin.
  • Trench Foot: Tingling, pain, redness, swelling, or blisters after prolonged wet and cold exposure.
  • Chilblains: Red, itchy patches of skin, often on hands, feet, nose, or ears.
    Workers should be encouraged to speak up immediately if they or their coworkers experience any of these symptoms.
• Immediately Move Affected Workers to a Warm Area
  Prompt removal from the cold environment is the first and most critical step. Workers showing symptoms should be escorted to a heated shelter, vehicle, or break room. Protect them from further wind, moisture, and cold exposure during transport if necessary.
• Remove Wet Clothing and Replace with Dry, Insulated Materials
  Wet or damp clothing accelerates heat loss and must be removed quickly. Replace with dry, insulated garments, blankets, or thermal wraps. If available, use warming blankets or layers of dry clothing to restore body temperature.
• Provide Warm Drinks (Non-Alcoholic, Non-Caffeinated)
  Warm, sweet drinks such as tea (non-caffeinated), hot chocolate, or warm water with sugar help raise internal body temperature. Alcohol and caffeine must be avoided, as they increase heat loss and impair judgment. Hydration is essential even in cold weather.
• For Suspected Hypothermia or Frostbite, Call Emergency Services Immediately
  Severe hypothermia and advanced frostbite are medical emergencies:
  • Do not rub or massage frostbitten areas, as this can cause tissue damage. Instead, gently rewarm the area in warm (not hot) water or using body heat.
  • Do not attempt to rapidly rewarm hypothermia victims in hot baths or by direct heat, as this can cause dangerous heart rhythms.
  • Keep the affected person still and warm until emergency responders arrive.
    Always err on the side of caution — if there is uncertainty, seek professional medical help without delay.

Multi-Employer Worksite Considerations

On worksites with multiple employers:

• Host employers must provide heated rest areas, work/rest schedules, and emergency procedures.
• Subcontractors must ensure their workers are trained and equipped with proper cold-weather gear.
• All employers must coordinate work practices, communicate hazards, and enforce cold stress prevention measures.
• Employers must share emergency response protocols and ensure first aid is available.

Reporting and Resources

• Report signs of cold stress immediately to your supervisor or competent person.
• Unsafe conditions such as lack of shelter, inadequate breaks, or insufficient PPE must be corrected without delay.
• Resources for further guidance:
  
  • OSHA Cold Stress Guide
  • NIOSH Cold Stress Prevention Materials
  • CDC Workplace Safety Cold Weather Resources

Summary and Key Takeaways

• Cold stress occurs when the body cannot maintain its normal temperature.
• Main cold stress illnesses: hypothermia, frostbite, trench foot, and chilblains.
• Prevention includes layered clothing, staying dry, scheduled breaks, proper hydration, and buddy systems.
• Employers and subcontractors must coordinate responsibilities on multi-employer worksites.
• Early recognition and rapid response can save lives.

Acknowledgment of Completion

By selecting “Yes, I understand,” I acknowledge the following:

• I have completed the Cold Stress Awareness Training.
• I understand the types, symptoms, and risks of cold stress.
• I know prevention strategies including proper clothing, hydration, rest breaks, and shelter.
• I understand the responsibilities of both host employers and subcontractors on multi-employer worksites.
• I know how to recognize and respond to signs of cold stress in myself and others.
• I will report unsafe conditions and apply the knowledge from this training to maintain a safe workplace.