Be prepared to work in cold condition each workday by wearing appropriate clothing such as
hats, gloves, insulated socks and footwear. Dress in layers whenever possible. Layers can be removed
as your body warms up and acclimates to the lower temperatures. Always keep proper PPE fit in mind.
Please see the FREAS SharePoint page under Safety for more information on this topic.
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), what constitutes cold
weather stress and its effects can vary across different areas of the country. In regions relatively
unaccustomed to sustained winter weather, near freezing temperatures are considered factors for cold
stress. Whenever temperatures drop decidedly below normal and as wind speed increases, heat can more
rapidly leave your body. These weather‐related conditions may lead to serious health problems such as
hypothermia or even frostbite. Anyone exposed to extreme cold or who works in cold environments may be
at risk of cold weather stress. Dressing properly is extremely important to preventing cold stress. The type of
fabric worn also makes a difference. Cotton loses its insulation value when it becomes wet. Wool, silk and
most synthetics, on the other hand, retain their insulation even when wet.