Cold Weather
Construction of Twins Baseball Stadium – Minneapolis, MN
Cold Weather: Definition
• Varies by region of the country
• “Cold” temperatures < 40o F
• “Cool” temperatures (40 - 60o F)
• Temperature information inferred from www.cdc.gov
Common Cold Weather Elements
• Rain, snow, sleet, etc.
– Damp or wet clothing makes the body feel colder
• Wind
– “wind chill”, causes the air to feel colder than it
really is
• Wind Chill chart provided by Weather.com
Cold Weather-Physical Effects
• Shivering
• Poor circulation in extremities
– Numbness in fingers, ears, and toes common
– Can greatly decrease gripping strength in
hands
• Delayed reaction times
• Drowsiness
• Reduced Mobility
Cold Weather Injuries & Conditions
• Hypothermia
– lowered core body
temperature
– Drop in blood pressure
– Mental Confusion
– Death (if left untreated)
• Frostbite
– freezing of body tissue
– Can permanently
damage tissue
• Extreme cases require
tissue removal
Cold Weather Construction
• Increased risk of all
construction related
accidents, especially
– Struck-by
– Slips/Falls
• Ground Thawing
– Foundation work
– Additional Equipment
Required
• Inclement winter weather
delays
– Blizzards
– freezing rain Snowstorm at a construction site in Amsterdam, The Netherlands
– High winds
Cold Weather Construction-Cont.
Commercial building under construction in Portland, OR
Cold Weather and OSHA
• No specific section of OSHA pertaining to
cold weather safety
• OSHA Issues generalized tips and
suggestions during the winter for outdoor
workers
Construction Injuries in Cold
Weather
• There are few, if any, fatalities or injuries that
can be directly attributed to cold weather
• Muddy ground conditions from thawing can
create conditions for slipping
• Portable Heaters, if not properly maintained,
could possibly short out in damp conditions
• Joint stiffness and heavy clothing may
prevent workers from quickly avoiding a
falling object.
PPE and Cold Weather
• Head, face, and neck protection should be
stressed
– 90% of body heat lost through neck and head
• Weather and Temperature appropriate
outerwear
– 2-3 thin layers of clothing beneath outerwear
• Insulated gloves and boots
Cold Weather PPE: Potential
Hazards
• Baggy, ill fitting PPE
– Reduced mobility
– Increased chance of clothing becoming
caught on equipment
• Too much Cold Weather PPE
– Risk for overheating
– Risk for Dehydration
• Possible interference with vision/hearing
Cold Weather Procedures and
Practices
• Develop Company safety program for Cold
Weather Construction
• Provide worker education regarding cold
weather policies
– Toolbox talks
• Strictly enforce pre-task planning and its
documentation
• Schedule work for warmest part of day
Cold Weather Construction
Procedures and Practices, Cont.
• Provide heated, dry, on-
site break area
– Require warm-up breaks
based on length of shift
and experienced
temperature
• Reduced visibility
– Use brightly colored signs
– Double check for workers
– Cease current construction
work if visibility is
significantly hampered by
weather
• Do not attempt to rush
work
Construction worker clears snow from road sign
http://www.daylife.com/photo/0bvuh2A8rj3Dw
Cold Weather Construction –
Helpful Worker Practices
• Buddy system
– Workers check each
other for signs of cold-
related illness
– Pair less experienced
workers with more
experienced workers
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol,
and other drugs
• Consume high-calorie
foods and sports drinks
http://enews.penton.com/enews/occupationalhazards/construction/2008_01_16_construction_newsletter/view.html#protecting_outdoor_employees
Think Safety
Work Safely