Cold Weather Cold Weather Company Harlan McPhee North McPhee South Powerhawke Ravex Richards Company Using the Form Job Name * Job Name and/or Number Date * Cold Weather Workers exposed to extreme cold or who work in cold environments may be at risk for cold-related illnesses and injuries. Susceptible workers, such as those working without shelter, outdoors, or in an area that is poorly insulated or without heat, may be put into a dangerous situation when cold weather prevails. What constitutes cold stress and its effects can vary across different areas of the country. In regions relatively unaccustomed to winter weather, even near freezing temperatures can put unaccustomed workers at risk. Whenever temperatures drop decidedly below normal and as wind speed increases, heat can more rapidly leave the body. If workers are unable to keep warm, these cold conditions may lead to serious health problems, such as chilblains, trench foot, frostbite, and hypothermia. Hypothermia, can be deadly. If a worker experiences an abnormally low body temperature, the brain is affected, making it difficult or impossible to think clearly or move well. This makes hypothermia particularly dangerous because a person may not know it is occurring and may be unable to take actions to warm themselves or seek medical care. Here are a few recommendations to follow to protect our employees from cold stress: • Where possible, schedule cold jobs for the warmer part of the day. • Rotate workers or assign extra workers for long, demanding jobs. • Drink warm liquids. • Provide warm areas for use during break periods. (NOTE: Ensure that portable heating units are properly vented as required) • Monitor workers who are at risk of cold stress. Watch for shivering, loss of coordination, confusion and disorientation. • Monitor weather conditions and hazard alerts for increase awareness for employees. In addition, workers should avoid exposure to extremely cold temperatures when possible. When cold temperatures cannot be avoided; employees should follow these recommendations: • Wear appropriate clothing. o Wear several layers of loose clothing. Layering provides better insulation. o Tight clothing reduces blood circulation. Warm blood needs to be circulated to the extremities. When choosing clothing, be aware that some clothing may restrict movement, resulting in a hazardous situation. • Make sure to protect the ears, face, hands, and feet in extremely cold weather. o Boots should be waterproof, insulated and have a steel-toe or hardened toe. o Wear a hard hat liner; it will keep your whole body warmer. Liners reduce the amount of body heat that escapes from your head. • Carry cold weather gear, such as extra socks, gloves, hats, jacket, blankets, a change of clothes, and a thermos of hot liquid (Non-caffeinated). • Have a supply of chemical hot packs. • Avoid touching cold metal surfaces with bare skin. • Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers. Follow these tips to keep you, your coworkers, and loved one’s safe while in the cold. Additional Comments Foreman Name * Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Picture Upload Drop a file here or click to upload Choose File Maximum upload size: 52.43MB reCAPTCHA Submit Δ