Cold Stress Safety Program

The Cold Stress Safety Program establishes requirements for protecting employees who work in cold weather and cold environments where low temperatures, wind, rain, snow, ice, cold water, or damp conditions may create cold-related hazards. Cold exposure can result in serious illnesses and injuries, including hypothermia, frostbite, trench foot, and other cold stress conditions. The program emphasizes evaluating weather and workplace conditions, recognizing early symptoms of cold exposure, and implementing engineering controls, safe work practices, protective clothing, and employee training to prevent cold-related injuries. The program addresses cold stress prevention, cold weather safety, wind chill, hazard assessments, warm-up breaks, heated shelters, acclimatization, hydration, buddy systems, snow and ice hazards, and cold-weather personal protective equipment (PPE). Employees must wear appropriate layered clothing, keep clothing and footwear dry, protect exposed skin, and promptly report symptoms of cold stress. Work should be planned to reduce prolonged cold exposure, with appropriate warming areas and additional breaks provided when conditions warrant. Employees working in cold conditions receive training on recognizing and responding to hypothermia, frostbite, and trench foot, proper rewarming, protective clothing, emergency procedures, and first aid.