--- title: Safety in Cold Winter Weather - 12-18-2019 description: As the weather becomes “frightful” during winter months, construction workers who must brave the outdoor conditions face the occupational hazard of exposure to the cold. image: https://www.chamberlinltd.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/2970.jpeg --- [ Client Login ](https://www.chamberlinltd.com/articles/log-in-to-your-account) [ 877-428-1000 ](tel:8774281000) [ Report a Leak ](https://www.chamberlinltd.com/report-a-leak) [![Chamberlin_Logo_Option](https://www.chamberlinltd.com/hubfs/Logos/Chamberlin_Logo_Option.svg) ](https://www.chamberlinltd.com) # Safety in Cold Winter Weather Posted on: December 18, 2019 6 AM ![Cold Weather Safety](https://www.chamberlinltd.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/2970.jpeg?width=1280&name=2970.jpeg)   As the weather becomes “frightful” during winter months, construction workers who must brave the outdoor conditions face the occupational hazard of exposure to the cold. In the colds months is it necessary to be especially mindful of the weather, its effects on the body, and proper prevention techniques. **Environmental Conditions ** The following four environmental conditions are the causes of cold-related stress: - Low temperatures - High/cool winds - Dampness - Cold water When your body is unable to warm itself, serious cold-related illnesses and injuries may occur, and permanent tissue damage and death may result. Cold related illnesses can slowly overcome a person who has been chilled by low temperatures, brisk winds or wet clothing. **Risk Factors ** Major risk factors for cold-related stress include the following: - Wearing inadequate or wet clothing increases the effects of cold on the body - Taking certain drugs or medications such as alcohol, nicotine, caffeine and medication; they inhibit the body’s response to the cold and impair judgment - Having a cold or certain diseases, such as diabetes, heart, vascular, and thyroid problems, may make a person more susceptible to the winter elements - Becoming exhausted or immobilized, especially due to injury or entrapment, may speed up the effects of cold weather ** Preventing Cold-Related Disorders ** Wearing the right types of clothing can help in fighting the elements. You should wear at least three layers of clothing such as the following: - An outer layer to break the wind and allow some ventilation - A middle layer of wool or synthetic fabric to absorb sweat and retain insulation in a damp environment - Inner layers of cotton or synthetic weave to allow for proper ventilation - Pay special attention to protecting feet, hands, face, and head; up to 40 percent of body heat can be lost when the head is exposed - Wear insulated footgear to protect against cold and dampness - Keep a change of clothing available in case work garments become wet #### Subscribe Today! Stay-in-the-know and subscribe to our blog today! ## Related Articles [### Anti-Slip Practices for Your Property Posted on: December 18, 2019 6 AM It’s that time in Texas we fear every five to ten years when heavy snow is in the forecast. While it may be tempting to use de-icers or salt on sidewalks, exterior metal stairs and drive ramps,... ](https://www.chamberlinltd.com/blog/antislip-practices-for-your-property) ### [National Construction Appreciation Week Posted on: December 18, 2019 6 AM](https://www.chamberlinltd.com/blog/national-construction-appreciation-week) [I Build America celebrates National Construction Appreciation Week annually during the third week in September. [I Build America'](https://www.ibuildamerica.com)s purpose is to instill pride within the construction industry and... ](https://www.chamberlinltd.com/blog/national-construction-appreciation-week) ### [Waterproofing the TFC Capitol Complex Posted on: December 18, 2019 6 AM](https://www.chamberlinltd.com/blog/waterproofing-the-tfc-capitol-complex) [Our Austin waterproofing crew has been working hard at the [Texas Facility Commission Capitol Complex](https://www.tfc-ccp.org) project under general contractor [White Construction](https://www.whiteconst.com). [Kirksey Architecture](https://www.kirksey.com) and [Terracon](https://www.terracon.com) have helped... ](https://www.chamberlinltd.com/blog/waterproofing-the-tfc-capitol-complex) © 2026 | Chamberlin, Ltd.