Working Outside in Cold Weather

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Note to trainer: Follow this script or use it to help guide you through
a 10- to 15-minute tailgate training session for your ag/hort workers.
You may photocopy this sheet for your employees personal use.
However, it may not be published or sold.
TAILGATE TRAINING TIP SHEET
NO. 49
Working Outdoors In Cold Weather
Copyright 2009
KEY POINTS:
Wear dry clothing when working outdoors.
Wear several layers of clothing rather than a single heavy jacket.
Drink plenty of water to keep from getting dehydrated.
Dehydration is a major contributor to hypothermia.
Cold weather can be dangerous
For many of us, winter is a welcome escape from working
outdoors in hot, humid weather.
But cold winter weather presents some serious risks.
Among them are:
Frostbite, or the freezing of body parts exposed to the
cold. Frostbite can be mild or it can be severe, resulting
in the destruction of body tissue. The parts of the
body most likely to be frostbitten are your nose,
cheeks, ears, toes and fingers.
Hypothermia, or the loss of body heat due to prolonged
exposure to the cold. Hypothermia is a life-threatening
condition. You are more likely to rapidly lose body heat
when your clothes are wet.
Its important that you know what to do to reduce your risk
of cold-related injuries.
Note to trainer: Our next Tailgate Training Tip Sheet will give
you tips on recognizing and treating cold-related injuries.
Who is at risk?
Cold-related injuries can result even if youre only outdoors for
short periods of time.
This is especially true if you work in a greenhouse or other
environment where your clothing gets wet.
Your risk of a cold-related injury also increases with:
high winds
inadequate or improper clothing
physical exhaustion
dehydration, or a loss of body fluids
alcohol or tobacco use, which can lead to increased
heat loss
diabetes, circulatory problems and certain other medical
conditions
Always dress appropriately
in cold winter weather.
Editors note: Our Tailgate Training Tip Sheets are available in Spanish at www.gemplers.com.
GEMPLERS
P.O. Box 45800 Madison, WI 53744-5800 Phone: 1-800-382-8473 www.gemplers.com

See our full line of safety supplies, including respirators, eye and ear protection, coveralls, first aid and more.
Working Outdoors In Cold Weather
TAILGATE TRAINING TIP SHEET NO. 49 (CONTINUED)
COLD WEATHER DOS AND DONTS
DO: DONT:
Keep your energy level up when working
outdoors in the cold. Sweet snacks will help.
Immediately seek shelter and call for emergency
medical help if you or a co-worker cant stop
shivering, begin stumbling, or become confused
or severely fatigued.
Overestimate your ability to do strenuous work.
Set a reasonable pace for yourself.
Work outdoors in the cold if you are physically
exhausted or in poor physical shape.
Wear wet clothing outdoors in the cold.
Wear the proper clothing
One of the best ways to prevent cold-related injuries is to
wear the right clothing outdoors.
Its better to wear several layers of clothing than a single
heavy coat or jacket. If possible, wear a thin layer next to your
skin such as polyester or polypropylene. This will help keep the
heat close to your body. Wear this under a warm layer of
clothing such as wool under an outer jacket that repels water
and cuts the wind.
You should also wear a warm hat that covers your ears, gloves
or mittens, dry socks, and dry shoes or boots that protect your
feet against cold and dampness.
A scarf or ski mask will also help protect your face.
More cold weather tips
1. Always dress properly for cold weather. Put on warm clothes
before you go outside. Carry extra dry clothing if youre likely
to get wet.
2. Keep your skin dry. Wet skin freezes quicker than dry skin.
3. Drink plenty of water to keep from getting dehydrated.
4. If possible, do some of your outdoor work during the
warmest part of the day.
5. Avoid sitting still outdoors for long periods of
time. And take adequate breaks from the cold.
6. Dont touch metal or wear metal jewelry outdoors in the
cold. Metal conducts cold, thus increasing your chances
of frostbite.
7. Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, coffee and other drinks with caffeine.
Smoking decreases circulation; alcohol increases the rate at which
your body cools.
8. Stay in good physical shape.

Are there any questions?
Note to trainer: Take time to answer trainees questions.
Then review the Cold Weather Dos and Donts.
Avoid alcohol, cigarettes and
coffee in cold outdoor weather.
Copyright 2009
GEMPLERS
P.O. Box 45800 Madison, WI 53744-5800 Phone: 1-800-382-8473 www.gemplers.com

See our full line of safety supplies, including respirators, eye and ear protection, coveralls, first aid and more.

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P.O. Box 45800 Madison, WI 53744-5800 Phone: 1-800-382-8473 www.gemplers.com

P.O. Box 45800 Madison, WI 53744-5800 Phone: 1-800-382-8473 www.gemplers.com

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