For Winter 2025-2026, The Farmer’s Almanac has published their forecast summary as “Mostly Mild—with Pockets of Wild! Get ready to chill, snow, repeat”. For the Northeast and New England, they are predicting frequent and heavy snowstorms. It anticipates that the upcoming winter will be “old-fashioned,” with consistent cold snaps. For those who work outside it is important to take heed because cold stress is a real hazard.
Cold stress occurs when the body is exposed to cold temperatures for an extended period. Typically, when fighting cold stress, the body tries to compensate by constricting blood vessels, shivering, and generating heat through metabolism. Workers suffering from exposure to the cold can initially experience thermal discomfort, increased strain, and decreased performance caused by fatigue and confusion— possibly increasing the risk to more common hazards such as slips, trips, and falls.
However, if the cold exposure is prolonged or severe, the body may not be able to maintain its core body temperature, resulting in cold stress. These negative effects are experienced first by the peripheral parts of the body and gradually progress to deep body tissues and the body core. When the body’s core temperature drops below 95 F/35 C, it is defined as hypothermia. Other issues can include dehydration, numbness, frostbite, or Nonfreezing Cold Injury (NFCI) such as chilblains and Immersion Foot.
Employers should routinely educate all employees who work outside of the risks of cold exposure to themselves and fellow workers. Part of this awareness includes the understanding that cold stress presents itself in different ways as symptoms vary by person.
The National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) offers employers these tips to help prevent unnecessary cold exposure to employees working outdoors:
- Train Employees – Proper training is considered the first defense. Educating employees to recognize the hazards of cold exposure and the symptoms of cold stress is a critical step toward protecting them. Training should also include tips on prevention and what to do if a cold-related injury does occur.
- Monitor – Train Site Supervisors to keep a close watch for symptoms of cold stress. They should especially pay attention to those that may be at risk, such as older employees. It’s a good idea to include chemical hot packs and thermometers in each first aid kit.
- Provide Protective Clothing and Proper PPE – Consider a stipend for proper extreme weather clothing—particularly to protect ears, face, hands and feet. Boots should be insulated and waterproof if employees are working around snow or rain. Encourage employees to wear layers, but not tight-fitting clothing, which reduces circulation, making extremities more vulnerable. Urge them to have extra clothing on hand—if an employee gets wet, they should change into dry clothes immediately.
- Provide Warm-up Breaks – Giving workers a warm, dry area for work breaks will go a long way in preventing cold stress since prolonged exposure to the cold is the main cause. Enforcing break time and providing warm drinks is also recommended.
- Encourage Hydration, a Good Diet and Proper Sleep – Employees should eat properly with plenty of carbohydrates and fats for energy and warmth prior to beginning work. They should drink fluids to stay well hydrated (avoid alcoholic beverages which reduce hydration) and get enough sleep to meet the demands of the job.
- Schedule Outdoor Work Strategically – If possible, schedule outdoor jobs in the warmer months or at least on warmer days. Many areas have fluctuating temperatures throughout the winter months, from the mid-thirties to below zero within the same week. Pay attention to the forecast and strategically schedule outdoor jobs when the cold is not as severe.
- Consider Adding Relief Workers – If possible, scheduling more employees to work shorter rotations or shifts to avoid over exposure to the cold should be highly considered.
Novisal can help you develop a Written Cold Stress program and train your employees. This could include PPE and First Aid.