When you work in extreme cold, most of the body’s energy is expended to maintain a consistent inner temperature. However, there are limits to what your body can adapt to. Cold stress occurs when your internal body temperature is lowered. Cold stress can be dangerous to yourself and your co-workers.
■ Providing an on-site heater or heated shelter ■ Using a work/warm-up schedule ■ Using a buddy system so workers don’t work alone in the cold ■ Scheduling work during daylight hours ■ Allowing workers to work at their own pace and take extra breaks if needed ■ Educating workers on cold weather hazards, and plans in place to protect them ■ Giving workers time to adjust before assigning a full work schedule in the cold ■ Providing insulated clothing