Toolbox Talk: Cold Stress

Before you start

Check today's temperature and wind chill so you can tell the crew what conditions to expect.

Read this to your crew

Cold weather slows you down, numbs your hands and makes it harder to think clearly. Wind and wet clothing make it much worse. At its worst, cold stress can cause hypothermia, frostbite and trench foot.

Today we will talk about staying warm and dry and watching out for each other.

Key points

Dress in layers. Wear a base layer that wicks sweat, an insulating middle layer and a wind and water-resistant outer layer. Cover your head, hands and feet.
Stay dry. Wet clothing pulls heat away fast. Bring spare socks and gloves and change when they get wet.
Take warm breaks. Warm up in a heated area, and drink warm, sweet drinks. Avoid alcohol.
Know the warning signs. Shivering, confusion, slurred speech and clumsiness can mean hypothermia. Numb, pale or waxy skin can mean frostbite.
Use the buddy system. People with cold stress often do not notice it in themselves. Check on each other and get help early.

Ask the crew

Where can we warm up on this site?
What part of your body gets coldest during the shift?
What would you do if a coworker started acting confused in the cold?

Picture this

A worker on a windy roof keeps working after his gloves get soaked. By lunch he cannot feel his fingers and is fumbling his tools. A spare pair of dry gloves and a short warm-up break would have kept him working safely.

Print this page to use the sign-in sheet, or skip the paper and record attendance digitally in SafetyIQ.

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Talk leader: ______________ Date: ______________ Site: ______________