Work Practice Controls

Work practice, or administrative, controls refer to changes in work procedures, such as written safety policies, rules, supervision, schedules, and training with the goal of reducing the duration, frequency, and severity of exposure to hazards. These controls normally are used in conjunction with other controls that more directly prevent or control exposure to the hazard.

The following work practice controls can help prevent cold stress:

• Regulate the pace of work to avoid excessive sweating. Although physical activity helps the body produce heat, too much physical activity will result in sweating, which lowers the body's ability to regulate temperature.
• Avoid sitting or standing still for prolonged periods. Lack of physical activity reduces the body's ability to produce heat.
• Take frequent breaks in areas that are heated or shielded from the wind. The breaks will help you avoid fatigue, which is important because energy is needed to keep your muscles warm.
• Allow a period of adjustment to the cold before assigning a full work schedule.
• Work in pairs to monitor each other and watch for signs of cold stress.
• Consume warm, high-calorie food to maintain your energy.
• Keep hydrated, and drink warm liquids often, especially when performing strenuous work. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
• Avoid skin contact with evaporative liquids, such as gasoline, alcohol, and cleaning fluids, when temperatures are below 40°F. Skin contact with these liquids increases heat loss from the body.
• Avoid sitting or kneeling on cold, unprotected surfaces.

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