Cold Weather on the Jobsite: Planning Ahead for Winter Conditions

Date Posted: January 27, 2026

Posted In: What we are thinking about, Workforce,

As winter weather settles into the St. Louis region, contractors and employers are once again managing the risks that cold, ice and snow bring to jobsites, yards and warehouses. Cold stress, slips and falls, and winter driving hazards can affect productivity—and more importantly, worker safety — if they’re not addressed proactively.

Maryanne Heuer, compliance assistance specialist with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) St. Louis Area Office, encourages employers to take advantage of the agency’s winter safety resources as temperatures drop.

“Cold weather introduces a different set of hazards, from hypothermia and frostbite to increased fall risks on icy surfaces,” Heuer said. “Planning ahead, equipping workers properly, and making sure crews are trained to recognize cold stress symptoms can make a real difference.”

Links to Resources

OSHA’s Winter Weather: Plan. Equip. Train. initiative outlines steps employers can take to prepare for cold conditions, including appropriate personal protective equipment, work-rest cycles and jobsite planning:

More detailed information is available in OSHA’s Cold Stress Guide, which explains the warning signs of cold-related illness—such as shivering, fatigue and confusion—and how to prevent them:

Cold-related hazards aren’t limited to outdoor work. OSHA also provides guidance for refrigerated warehousing and other cold-storage environments, addressing material handling, equipment use and exposure risks:

Winter driving is another major concern. OSHA’s Safe Winter Driving guidance offers practical tips for operating vehicles in snow and ice conditions.

Walk Like a Penguin

To reduce slip-and-fall risks, Heuer also points to a widely shared safety video from the Minnesota Department of Health, “Walk Like a Penguin,” which demonstrates how small changes in walking technique can help workers maintain balance on icy surfaces.

OSHA encourages employers to review their winter weather plans now and share these resources with crews before conditions worsen. Additional information is available on OSHA’s Winter Weather Safety webpage.