Winter work on construction sites: preventing cold stress, frostbite and hypothermia

Winter renovation and framing work in Canada is routine, and so are cold injuries on unheated sites. Most are prevented by planning the day around the weather, not by toughing it out.

Who is at risk

CCOHS lists construction workers among the groups at risk of cold stress. Wind and wet clothing make cold much more dangerous.

Warm-up breaks

Plan regular breaks in a warm area sheltered from drafts. CCOHS notes that the ACGIH suggests a work-warming regimen for continuous work in the cold when the wind chill is at or below -7 C, with heated shelters nearby, and refers to a work warm-up schedule based on a Saskatchewan model.

Clothing

Dress in layers with a wind-resistant outer layer. Moisture, from sweat or snow, sharply reduces insulation, so keep spare dry gloves and socks on site.

Watch each other

Work in pairs, and watch for signs of frostbite, which most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, fingers and toes, and for confusion, slurred speech or uncontrolled shivering.

Hypothermia is an emergency

CCOHS says hypothermia is a medical emergency: move the person to a heated shelter and get medical help immediately.

Prevention Checklist

• Check temperature and wind chill before the shift.
• Set a warm-up break schedule and provide a heated shelter.
• Dress in layers; keep spare dry gloves and socks.
• Work in pairs and check each other's face and hands.
• Treat signs of hypothermia as an emergency.

References

1. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS). Cold Environments - Overview, Web page, At-risk workers; hypothermia. Accessed 2026-11-01.
2. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS). Cold Environments - Control Measures, Web page, Warm-up schedule. Accessed 2026-11-01.
3. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS). Temperature Conditions - Cold, Web page, -7 C wind chill; breaks. Accessed 2026-11-01.

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