Employer Responsibilities

Employers have a responsibility to provide workers with a place of employment that is free from recognized hazards. Therefore, employers are responsible for providing a safe work environment and training workers on the hazards of the job and safety measures to use, such as engineering controls and safe work practices, that will protect workers' safety and health.

At a minimum, employers should train workers on the following:

• How to recognize the symptoms of cold stress and prevent cold stress injuries and illnesses
• The importance of self-monitoring and monitoring coworkers for symptoms of cold stress
• First aid and how to call for additional medical assistance in an emergency
• How to select proper clothing for cold, wet, and windy conditions
• How to recognize other winter weather-related hazards

In addition, employers should implement the following best practices to prevent cold stress:

• Monitor workers' physical condition
• Schedule frequent short breaks in warm, dry areas to allow the body to warm up
• Schedule work during the warmest part of the day
• Use the buddy system. (Work in pairs)
• Provide warm, sweet, non-caffeinated beverages
• Provide engineering controls, such as radiant heaters

To learn more about Cold Stress Safety visit our Cold Stress, Illness & Injury Safety Online Training web page.