Cold Stress Prevention Training Courses
INITIAL & REFRESHER TRAINING COURSES ON COLD STRESS PREVENTION
Equip yourself and your team with the essential knowledge and tools needed to prevent cold stress and related hazards in cold work environments with our online cold stress prevention training courses. Designed for a wide range of industries—construction, manufacturing, agriculture, warehousing, transportation, mining, service industries, and more—this course emphasizes practical insights for ensuring safety, compliance, and well-being in cold conditions.
Cold Stress Causes & Prevention - Initial Training Course
Only $12.00
OVERVIEW OF COLD STRESS PREVENTION TRAINING COURSES
The Cold Stress Initial Training Course is ideal for employees, as well as managers and supervisors, who have not yet received training on the causes and prevention of cold stress related injuries and illnesses. It is applicable to all workplaces, including but not limited to construction, manufacturing, warehousing, agriculture, transportation, mining, and service industries.
Topics Covered in the Initial Training Course:
- Physiological effects of cold stress on the human body.
- Recognizing and responding to hypothermia, frostbite, and other symptoms.
- Understanding wind chill index and its effects
- Important do’s and don’ts about proper clothing and protective gear.
- Effective work practices, administrative controls, and engineering solutions.
Additional Details:
- Prerequisites: None.
- Language: English (proficiency in reading and understanding required).
- Testing Requirements:
- Pass all module quizzes, and a final exam with a minimum score of 80%.
- Retake options available for failed quizzes/exams, up to three attempts. After three failed attempts, failed modules or the course can be automatically repeated at no extra charge.
- Course Materials: Printable notes packet, OSHA resources, NWS wind chill index chart, and related links.
- Duration: Approximate course length is 60 minutes.
- Cost: $12 (Discounts automatically applied at the cart when purchasing 5+ courses).
- Refund Policy: Refunds are available within 72 hours of purchase unless the course is completed.
The Cold Stress Refresher Training Course is recommended for students who have already completed the initial training course, but who could use a refresher on the causes and prevention of cold stress related injuries and illnesses.
Topics Covered in the Refresher Training Course:
- Physiological effects of wind chill and cold stress on the human body.
- Recognizing and responding to hypothermia, frostbite, and other symptoms.
- Importance of proper clothing and protective gear.
Additional Details
- Prerequisites: None.
- Language: English (proficiency in reading and understanding required).
- Testing Requirements:
- Pass all module quizzes.
- Course Materials: Printable notes packet, OSHA resources, NWS wind chill index chart, and related links.
- Duration: Approximate course length is 40 minutes.
- Cost: $8 (Discounts automatically applied at the cart when purchasing 5+ courses).
- Refund Policy: Refunds are available within 72 hours of purchase unless the course is completed.
Cold Stress Training and OSHA Compliance
While federal OSHA currently does not have a specific standard requiring employers to provide cold stress training, employers are still obligated to protect their workers from known hazards, including extreme cold conditions. OSHA enforces this responsibility under the General Duty Clause, Section (5)(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
What is the General Duty Clause?
The General Duty Clause states that employers must provide their employees with a workplace free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm. When workers are exposed to severe cold weather conditions without adequate protection or training, OSHA considers this a violation of the clause.
Cold Stress and Employer Responsibilities
Exposure to freezing or sub-freezing temperatures can lead to serious health risks, including hypothermia, frostbite, and trench foot. These cold stress conditions are recognized hazards, and OSHA expects employers to take preventative measures, such as:
- Providing appropriate cold-weather gear.
- Implementing safe work/rest schedules.
- Educating workers on recognizing and preventing cold stress.
The Cost of Non-Compliance
When OSHA determines that an employer has failed to protect workers from extreme cold, it can issue citations under the General Duty Clause. These citations often come with significant monetary penalties, which can be financially damaging and tarnish a company’s safety record.
Protect Your Workers and Your Business
While there’s no specific federal standard, providing cold stress training is an effective way to ensure compliance with OSHA’s expectations. Training helps workers identify cold stress risks, understand prevention methods, and stay safe on the job—benefiting both employees and employers.
Proactively investing in cold stress training demonstrates your commitment to worker safety, reduces the risk of costly OSHA citations, and ensures a healthier, more productive workforce.
12 Helpful Facts About Cold Stress Prevention at Work
Cold Stress Can Happen Above Freezing – Many workers think cold stress only happens in extreme cold, but temperatures as high as 50°F, combined with wind, wet clothing, or exhaustion, can still lead to hypothermia.
Wind Chill Makes It Worse – The wind chill factor can make temperatures feel much colder than they actually are. A 20°F temperature with a 20 mph wind can feel like 5°F, increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. (See our short video on this topic below).
Wet Clothing Drastically Increases Heat Loss – Water conducts heat away from the body 25 times faster than dry air, so wet clothing—whether from sweat, rain, or snow—can rapidly lead to cold stress. Stay dry to stay warm.
Frostbite Can Happen in Minutes – In extreme cold, exposed skin can develop frostbite in as little as 10-15 minutes. Workers should wear insulated gloves, hats, and face coverings when working in freezing temperatures.
Hypothermia Doesn’t Always Look Obvious – A worker with hypothermia might just seem confused, clumsy, or unusually tired. If someone stumbles, slurs their speech, or appears disoriented, they need to be warmed up immediately.
Layering Clothing is Key – The best way to stay warm is by wearing three layers: a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating middle layer (like wool or fleece), and a waterproof outer layer to block wind and moisture.
Dehydration is Still a Risk in Cold Weather – Workers lose fluids through sweat and breathing, even in the cold. Drinking warm fluids like soup or tea, along with plenty of water, helps maintain hydration and circulation.
Breaks in Warm Areas Are Essential – Workers should take frequent breaks in a heated shelter to prevent prolonged exposure. Short, regular warm-up periods are better than working continuously in the cold.
Alcohol and Caffeine Can Increase Cold Stress Risk – Alcohol gives a false sense of warmth by drawing heat away from vital organs. Caffeine can reduce circulation. Water, warm decaffeinated tea, or electrolyte drinks are the best options.
Cold-Related Illnesses Can Happen Indoors Too – Unheated buildings, poorly insulated work areas, and cold storage facilities can put indoor workers at risk. Proper PPE and warm break areas are just as important inside as they are outside.
Older Workers Are at Higher Risk – Workers over 50 may have a harder time regulating body temperature and noticing early signs of cold stress. They should take extra precautions and warm up more frequently.
Numb Fingers and Toes Mean It’s Time to Warm Up – If a worker loses feeling in their fingers, toes, or ears, that’s an early sign of frostbite. Immediate rewarming in a warm area can prevent permanent damage.
Impact of Wind on Cold Stress
This video, produced with content borrowed from our online cold stress prevention courses, quickly outlines the significant impact wind speed plays in determining the amount of cold stress employees are subjected to at work.
