Safety Tip: Prevent Cold-Related Injuries

Here's a collection of cold-weather tips that can help you and your employees avoid injuries this winter:

• Wear several layers of loose clothing to provide insulation (tight clothes reduce blood circulation)
• Be aware that some clothing may restrict movement, creating a hazard
• Wear a hat and protect the ears, face, hands and feet in extremely cold weather
• Wear waterproof, insulated boots
• Keep moving when working outside for long periods of time
• Change out of wet clothing as soon as possible
• Move into warm locations during work breaks; limit the amount of time outside on extremely cold days
• Stop working and seek shelter if you feel disoriented or experience tingling or numbness
• Avoid touching cold metal surfaces with bare skin
• Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers

For more information:

• Read OSHA advice on wearing hats under hard hats.
• Download the CDC's Cold Prevention Guide.