January is here—and with it comes cold temperatures, snow, ice, and winter weather hazards that can significantly impact jobsites. As we prepare for winter conditions, it’s critical that contractors and workers take proactive steps to stay safe.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) emphasizes a simple approach to winter safety: Plan. Equip. Train. By identifying hazards in advance, using the right equipment, and ensuring workers are properly trained, employers can reduce the risk of injuries during winter operations.
Common Winter Weather Hazards
- Winter conditions introduce a range of risks on construction sites, including:
- Slips, trips, and falls on snow and ice
- Back injuries and overexertion from shoveling snow
- Injuries from powered equipment such as snow blowers
- Falls while clearing snow from roofs or elevated surfaces
- Electrical hazards when working near downed power lines
- Cold stress, frostbite, and hypothermia
OSHA offers comprehensive guidance on winter weather safety, including safe winter driving, snow removal from heights, working around power lines, and more. Additional winter weather safety information is available through OSHA’s Winter Weather Safety webpage.
OSHA Winter Weather Resources
- OSHA Winter Weather: Plan. Equip. Train.
- OSHA Cold Stress Guide
- OSHA Safe Winter Driving
- Refrigerated Warehousing Safety Guidance (listed under warehouse hazards)
A new OSHA pamphlet on snow removal highlights major hazards associated with clearing snow and ice—particularly from rooftops and elevated structures—and outlines employer responsibilities related to fall protection, training, and equipment.
Alliance Partner Resources
Additional winter safety resources are available through alliance partners, including CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training, which offers:
- Cold Weather Toolbox Talk (also available in Spanish)
- Cold Weather Hazard Alert (also available in Spanish)
- Cold Weather Infographic: Protect Yourself from the Cold
CPWR’s infographic outlines key prevention steps such as dressing appropriately, taking warm breaks, recognizing the warning signs of hypothermia, and working in pairs to monitor cold stress symptoms
