Cold weather conditions pose significant health risks, especially for outdoor workers. Failure to maintain body temperature can lead to problems such as hypothermia, colds, flu and musculoskeletal disorders. This article discusses in detail the precautions that should be taken in workplaces to protect workers' health in cold weather and the arrangements that workers can make personally. Basic approaches such as layered clothing, proper nutrition, use of appropriate equipment and work organization are examined. These recommendations are intended as a guide for employers to improve occupational health and safety practices and increase employee productivity.

Seasonal weather changes, especially in winter, pose serious risks to workers in the workplace. Prolonged exposure to cold weather can exceed the body's capacity to regulate its temperature, leading to health problems such as hypothermia, frostbite, respiratory diseases and musculoskeletal problems. This situation both threatens the individual health of employees and causes loss of productivity in the workplace. Ways to protect workers' health in cold weather conditions form an important part of occupational health and safety (OHS) practices.

Cold Weather and its Effects on Employee Health

Prolonged exposure to cold air produces various physiological effects by challenging the body's thermoregulatory mechanisms. The body's natural defense against cold is to redirect blood circulation from the extremities (areas such as hands, feet, ears) to the central organs. This can lead to heat loss in peripheral tissues and damage to these areas, such as frostbite. Hypothermia occurs when body temperature drops below normal and is a life-threatening condition that requires urgent medical attention.

Respiratory diseases become more prevalent as cold air reduces moisture on mucosal surfaces, causing the nose and throat to dry out. Diseases such as influenza and the common cold are more common in the winter months, contributing to these effects. Cold temperatures also have a negative impact on the musculoskeletal system; low temperatures can lead to muscle stiffness, joint pain and injuries.

Basic Approaches to Protect Health in Cold Weather

1. Layered Dressing Strategy
   For those working in cold weather conditions, appropriate clothing is one of the most important factors in protecting their health. Layering is recognized as one of the most effective ways to maintain body temperature. The clothing strategy should consist of three basic layers:

Inner Layer (Moisture Carrier Layer): It should be made of fast-drying materials that allow sweat to be removed from the body. Cotton fabrics can increase exposure to cold by retaining sweat, so should not be preferred.
Middle Layer (Insulating Layer): This layer retains the heat generated by the body and keeps it warm. Wool, fleece and synthetic insulation materials are ideal for this layer.
Outer Layer (Protection Layer): It should be wind and waterproof and at the same time highly breathable. This layer should allow sweat to evaporate while providing protection from external factors.

2. Nutrition and Fluid Intake
   The body expends more energy in cold weather and attention should be paid to the diet to meet this energy need. Adequate calorie intake contributes to making the body more resistant to cold. Especially foods rich in protein and carbohydrates play an important role in providing long-term energy. In addition, although fluid loss is thought to decrease in cold weather, the body's fluid needs continue. Regular consumption of water by employees eliminates the risk of dehydration.
3. Use of Appropriate Equipment
   Providing equipment suitable for cold weather conditions is one of the most important responsibilities of employers. Equipment such as waterproof and insulated work shoes, gloves, berets and protective coats help protect workers from the cold. In addition, musculoskeletal disorders can be prevented by using ergonomically designed work equipment.
4. Work Organization and Rest Periods
   Rest periods appropriate to working conditions enable workers to be more productive in cold weather. Rest breaks should be taken at regular intervals in a warm environment to reduce the negative effects of prolonged exposure to cold weather. This is especially vital for outdoor workers. In addition, adjusting working hours to accommodate daylight can help minimize the negative effects of cold weather.
5. Monitoring and Supporting Patient Workers
   Employees suffering from illnesses such as colds or flu should be encouraged to rest and not to spread their illnesses to other employees. Early identification of sick workers protects their personal health and increases productivity in the workplace. Monitoring these processes in workplaces should be considered as part of effective OHS policies.

Cold weather conditions pose significant health risks to workers and are a factor to be considered in occupational health and safety practices. The health of workers can be protected through basic approaches such as appropriate clothing, nutrition, equipment use and work organization. The fact that employers are aware of these risks and take the necessary precautions contributes to protecting both the health of employees and productivity in the workplace. As Sürmen OSGB, we stand by employers with our recommendations to protect the health of employees in cold weather conditions.

Sources

ISO 15743:2008, “Ergonomics of the thermal environment - Cold workplaces - Risk assessment and management”
Parsons, K. (2014). Human thermal environments: The effects of hot, moderate, and cold environments on human health, comfort, and performance. CRC press.
ACGIH (2021). Threshold limit values for chemical substances and physical agents & biological exposure indices.