Cold, wet weather creates seasonal safety hazards for employees and customers across many types of businesses. Some industries—like frozen food facilities, meat processing, and cold storage—have year-round exposure to risks from cold and damp conditions. For storefronts and retail locations affected by winter storms, consider reviewing your coverage options for unexpected closures and property damage with Winter Weather Insurance.
Outdoor Cold Climate Injury
Severe winter weather can prevent workers and customers from reaching your business and can create dangerously slippery sidewalks and parking lots after a storm. Take prompt precautions when clearing paths and marking hazards to reduce slips and falls.
Cold Related Injuries and Illnesses
Beyond slips and falls, prolonged or repeated exposure to cold and damp conditions can cause cold stress and a range of illnesses, including hypothermia, cold water immersion, trench foot, frostbite, and chilblains. Employers should train staff to recognize symptoms and respond quickly; for workplace guidance and employee protection resources see Workers' Compensation Insurance and Workplace Safety.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia results from prolonged exposure to cold and causes an abnormally low body temperature. The brain is affected early, which can lead to unclear thinking and poor coordination, making the situation especially dangerous.
Symptoms of Hypothermia — Early
- Fatigue
- Shivering
- Confusion or disorientation
- Loss of coordination
Symptoms of Hypothermia — Late
- Shivering stops
- Dilated pupils
- Slow breathing and pulse
- Blue skin
- Loss of consciousness
Hypothermia first aid
- Alert a supervisor and call for medical help.
- Move the person into a warm room or shelter.
- Remove wet clothing.
- Warm the core first: chest, neck, head, and groin. Use an electric blanket if available, or use skin-to-skin contact under dry layers.
- Once temperature rises, keep the person dry and wrapped in blankets.
- If the person has no pulse, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until medical help arrives.
Chilblains
Chilblains can occur in temperatures from just above freezing up to about 60°F when skin is repeatedly exposed to cold. The capillaries under the skin become damaged, causing recurring redness and itching, most often on the ears, fingers, toes, and cheeks.
Symptoms of Chilblains
- Inflammation
- Itching
- Redness
- Possible blistering
- Possible ulceration in severe cases
Chilblains first aid
- Slowly warm the affected skin.
- Use topical corticosteroid creams to relieve itching and swelling if recommended by a clinician.
- Keep any blisters or ulcers clean and covered.
- Avoid scratching.
Trench Foot
Trench foot results from prolonged exposure to cold and damp conditions, and it can develop even at temperatures above freezing. It was historically common when feet remained wet and constrained for long periods.
Trench foot symptoms
- Tingling in the feet
- Itching
- Burning pain
- Swelling
- Blisters and infection in advanced untreated cases
Prevention and treatment for trench foot
Keep feet dry and warm as the best prevention. Move the person to a warm place, soak the feet in tepid water if needed, then dry and wrap them in clean, dry towels. Seek medical care for signs of infection.
Frostbite
Frostbite occurs when freezing temperatures cause blood vessels near the skin to constrict and blood flow to fall, eventually freezing tissues. Frostbite severity ranges from first to fourth degree.
Frostbite treatment
- Move the victim to a warm place.
- If the feet or toes are frostbitten, avoid walking on them to prevent further damage.
- Use warm — not hot — water to rewarm the affected area.
- Do not massage or rub the area, as this can cause additional injury.
- Use water warming only; numb areas can be burned by heating devices.
If you have questions about how winter risks affect your business insurance or employee coverage, ask an agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast can hypothermia develop?
Hypothermia can develop over hours with prolonged exposure, and conditions like wind or wet clothing can speed onset significantly.
When should I seek medical help for frostbite?
Seek medical care for any numbness, persistent discoloration, or blisters after rewarming, as advanced frostbite can require professional treatment.
Can trench foot lead to infection?
Yes; if trench foot causes skin breakdown or blisters, secondary bacterial infection is a risk and should be evaluated by a clinician.
How can employers reduce cold stress for outdoor workers?
Provide warm shelters, dry clothing changes, regular breaks, and training to recognize symptoms of cold-related illnesses.