Cold, wind and wet clothing steal body heat quickly. Numb hands and slowed thinking also raise the risk of other injuries.
Key points
- In B.C. employers must assess cold stress where workers may be exposed, and put an exposure control plan in place.
- Dress in layers: a wicking base layer, an insulating middle layer and a wind- and water-resistant outer layer.
- Keep spare dry gloves, socks and a hat. Wet clothing loses most of its insulating value.
- Warning signs of hypothermia include shivering, clumsiness, slurred speech and confusion. Frostbite shows as numb, pale or waxy skin.
- Workers showing symptoms must be removed from the cold and treated. Get medical help for severe symptoms.
- Plan warm-up breaks and a warm place to take them, and take extra care on slippery surfaces and when handling cold metal.
Ask the crew
- Where can we warm up and dry out today?
- Who is working alone or in an exposed spot?
- Do we have spare dry clothing on site?
Sign-off sheet
The PDF includes a sign-off sheet with date, location, presenter and nine signature lines. Print it, run the talk and keep the signed copy with your site safety records.
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Sources
Regulation references were checked against the online OHS Regulation in October 2026. Regulations change: confirm against the current text and your employer procedures. General information, not legal advice.