Cold Weather Safety Training: What to Cover Before Winter Hits

Winter brings a whole new set of hazards to the workplace. When the temperature drops, everything changes, including how people work, how equipment functions, how alert employees are, and how quickly a small mistake can turn into a serious injury. That’s why cold weather safety training is something you should put in place long before the first freeze arrives.

Preparing your team early helps you prevent accidents, avoid downtime, and support your workers’ health throughout the winter season. If you wait until the cold hits, you’re already behind. Winter hazards appear quickly and without warning, and your workers need to understand how to recognize them, handle them, and stay safe around them.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the major topics you should cover in your cold weather safety training to ensure your employees are ready for whatever winter brings.

One of the most important topics you need to address is cold stress. Cold stress happens when the body can’t maintain its normal temperature because of cold air, wind, moisture, or a combination of these factors. When this happens, the body has to work harder to stay warm. Blood flow shifts to protect vital organs, which leaves the hands, feet, nose, and ears at higher risk. If exposure continues, the body becomes overwhelmed and begins to shut down. This can lead to dangerous conditions, such as:

• Hypothermia: This happens when the body’s core temperature drops too low. Workers may become confused, shiver uncontrollably, lose coordination, or, even worse, stop shivering altogether. Hypothermia is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
• Frostbite: Frostbite occurs when skin and tissue freeze. It most often affects fingers, toes, ears, and the nose. Workers might feel numbness, tingling, or notice pale or waxy skin. Severe frostbite can lead to permanent damage.
• Trench Foot: This condition doesn’t require freezing temperatures. It occurs when feet stay wet and cold for long periods. Workers may notice swelling, numbness, blisters, or pain in their feet.

Training must be implemented to show workers the warning signs they need to watch for, such as shivering, clumsiness, confusion, numbness, pale skin, or sudden fatigue. A worker who understands the difference between being “cold” and being in danger is much more likely to speak up before their condition becomes serious, and early recognition and intervention can save lives. Encourage your employees to speak up and report symptoms right away, whether for themselves or for a coworker.

For more information on Cold Stress, visit the official Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) page.

Another major part of cold weather safety training is the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Even the best winter gear won’t work if your employees don’t know how to use it correctly. Start by reviewing the essential winter PPE your team needs, such as:

• Insulated gloves to protect hands from frostbite and maintain dexterity.
• Waterproof, insulated boots that provide traction and keep feet dry.
• Thermal socks to prevent moisture buildup and heat loss.
• Face coverings or balaclavas for wind protection.
• Insulated jackets and pants that shield workers from wind and snow.
• High-visibility outerwear to ensure workers are seen during storms or in dim light.

Your workers also need to understand how to layer clothing properly, as poor layering leads to sweating, which can quickly make a person colder. Teach employees to use a three-layer system:

1. Base layer: Wicks moisture away from the body.
2. Middle layer: Provides insulation.
3. Outer layer: Blocks wind, snow, and rain.

Cotton should never be worn when working in the winter. Cotton absorbs moisture and keeps it close to the skin, increasing the risk of hypothermia and trench foot. Instead, fabrics like wool or synthetic blends that wick moisture and dry quickly should be used.

PPE should be checked regularly. Gloves and boots that are worn out or wet will stop protecting from the cold. Train your team to inspect and recognize when equipment needs to be replaced so they don’t try to get through a shift with gear that puts them at risk.

Slips, trips, and falls are some of the most common winter injuries. Even a thin layer of ice or snow can create a major hazard, especially on flat surfaces. It’s important that workers know exactly how to move and behave when conditions get slippery. Start by explaining the typical hazards workers should expect, including:

• Ice on walkways, ladders, and steps.
• Snow that hides obstacles.
• Wet floors at entryways.
• Frozen patches around dumpsters, loading docks, and parking lots.

Ensure employees are trained on how to walk along slippery surfaces. Taking small steps, for instance, can help workers maintain balance. It’s also important for workers to maintain their center of gravity and avoid sudden movements. When climbing into trucks or equipment, workers should maintain three-point contact at all times. This means having either both feet and on hand keeping balance while your other hand works, or holding onto something stable with both hands and having one foot on a stable surface. This approach minimizes the risk of slips and falls.

Winter conditions change quickly, and hazards appear throughout the day.  Procedures must be included for things like ice melting, reporting icy areas, and clearing walkways. Additionally, make sure employees know how your company plans to manage snow removal and de-icing. When roles are clear, confusion is avoided and hazards are handled before someone gets hurt.

Winter doesn’t just affect people; it affects equipment, too. Cold temperatures can make tools brittle, weaken batteries, thicken fluids, and impact tires and braking systems. If your workers don’t know how to adjust for these conditions, they can damage equipment or put themselves in real danger. During training, it should be explained how cold weather affects:

• Batteries, which drain faster in low temperatures.
• Engines, which need longer warm-up times.
• Brakes, which respond differently on icy surfaces.
• Tires, which lose pressure and traction.
• Hydraulics, which can slow down when fluid thickens.

Daily inspections become even more important in the winter. Walk your team through what they should check every shift, including:

• Battery levels
• Tire pressure
• Fluid levels
• Wiper blades
• Defrosters and heaters
• Lights and signals
• Brakes and steering

If operating forklifts, trucks, or heavy equipment is part of the job, then make sure that warm-up procedures are clearly understood and that equipment is always inspected prior to use. It’s also necessary to train employees on how to adjust their driving or equipment operation on snow or ice. Slower speeds, wider turns, and increased stopping distances are all essential.

Even with training and preparation, winter weather can be unpredictable. Storms can move in quickly, temperatures can drop without warning, and workers can find themselves in dangerous conditions fast. That’s why your cold weather safety program must include emergency preparedness.

Start by making sure every team knows what belongs in a winter emergency kit. Depending on your workplace and tasks, this may include:

• Hand warmers
• Thermal blankets
• Chemical heat packs
• Extra gloves and socks
• A fully stocked first-aid kit
• Flashlights and batteries
• Traction aids for footwear
• Ice scrapers and shovel

Your next priority is communication. Explain the protocols your team should follow when severe weather hits. Make sure employees know:

• Who to contact.
• When work should stop.
• How to report dangerous weather.
• What to do if routes or roads become unsafe.

Clear communication saves lives. When everyone knows the plan, people stay calm and act quickly. It is also a good idea to practice emergency drills before winter begins, as these can help ensure that people understand their role and know where to go during an emergency.

Winter comes every year, but problems don’t have to. With strong training and consistent communication, you can create a safer workplace and give your employees the tools they need to return home unharmed, even on the coldest days of the season.

The best way to keep your people safe this winter is to start preparing today. Cold weather safety training gives your team the knowledge and confidence they need to handle harsh conditions, stay alert to hazards, and protect themselves and each other.

Capability’s online safety training courses help to educate employees on workplace safety and health regulations, policies, and best practices. These courses cover a wide range of topics, all designed to fit the needs of various industries. To find the courses you need for your business today, click here.