Taking a step outside this week is a brisk reminder that winter has arrived. With the cold weather comes new hazards for employees on outdoor worksites. Although OSHA has no specific rules regarding winter weather, employers must comply with the General Duty Clause that requires a workplace to be free from recognizable hazards.

A cold work environment is indeed a recognizable hazard, which can cause workers to suffer from cold stress, potentially leading to hypothermia, frostbite, and cardiac issues. When severe weather hits, some worksites may choose to close, but workers such as EMTs, power cable repairmen, snow plow operators are required to brave the elements.

While there are a few simple methods for keeping employees warm such as providing hot drinks like coffee and the, the main method for successfully combating the cold is limiting worker exposure with short-shift rotation. Martin Tirado, CEO of the Ice and Snow Management Association, supplies his employees with a checklist of protective gear and enforces strict breaks in cold conditions.

“Typically – and it kind of depends on the temperature – but out of one hour of work, 15 minutes should be inside somewhere warming up,” Tirado said.

Where to Turn for Shift Rotation Guidance

The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) offers a clear model for breaks and shift rotations that can help employers determine the appropriate length of time for employees to spend in winter conditions. This chart, entitled “Work/Warm-up Schedule for a 4-Hour Shift,” uses factors such as temperature and wind chill to determine the shift length, as well as the number of breaks that should be required.

Last year in Wyoming, one worker was in the middle of a 12-hour shift on an oil field when he felt a horrible pain in his feet that quickly went away. The weather was a freezing 25 degrees with 30 mph winds. When he was taking off his left boot at the end of the day he immediately knew something was wrong. He was taken to the nearest hospital for frostbite treatment, and his leg was later amputated.

The onus of keeping workers healthy in the cold is on employers. Failing to do so can result not only in injury, illness, or death, but also fines and litigation. Being cautious is better than ending up with a crisis. That’s why so many employers choose to implement medical surveillance programs through Worksite Medical. Our mobile medical units can come directly to your worksite and test employees for exposure to hazards. Call us today at 1-844-OCCUMED to schedule a visit.

Learn more about OSHA’s winter weather precautions.