Cold stress

Cold, wet or windy conditions that cool the body faster than it can warm itself, causing shivering, numbness and hypothermia.

Also known as: Hypothermia, Cold conditions, Cold weather

How to control cold stress

Schedule outdoor or cold-room work for the warmer parts of the day, and limit time spent in cold, wet conditions.
Provide heated shelters or warm break areas with warm drinks, and build regular warm-up breaks into the work.
Use windbreaks and keep workers dry, because wet clothing and wind cool the body much faster.
Train workers and supervisors to recognise shivering, numbness, clumsiness and confusion as early signs of hypothermia, and act on them.
Provide layered clothing, insulated gloves and headwear, and waterproof outer layers suited to the conditions.

Typical controls, most effective first. Your SWMS sets the controls for your own job and site.