COLD STRESS TOOLBOX TALK
Control hypothermia and frostbite risks in cold, windy and wet conditions.
Layered clothing, warming breaks and worker monitoring.
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Toolbox Topic
COLD STRESS TOOLBOX TALK
Duration
8–10 minutes
Date
Site / Area
Supervisor
Company
Participants
Document No
OBJECTIVE
Prevent hypothermia, cold injury and loss of dexterity during work in cold, windy or wet conditions.
WHY IT MATTERS
Wind and wet conditions can significantly increase cold stress by reducing effective body temperature.
Shivering, numbness, loss of coordination and slowed speech may indicate developing hypothermia.
Cold hands also reduce grip strength and fine motor control, increasing the likelihood of secondary incidents.
REALISTIC SITE SCENARIO
A worker continued outdoor work in windy rain while wearing wet gloves.
Numbness developed in the fingers but the worker did not report it because the task was nearly complete.
Dry replacement gloves, regular warming breaks and early reporting would have prevented further cold injury.
REMEMBER
Uncontrolled shivering, numbness or confusion is not a normal response to cold.
KEY HAZARDS
Low air temperature.
High wind speed.
Wet clothing.
Prolonged outdoor exposure.
Bare-skin contact with cold metal.
Loss of dexterity and grip strength.
Hypothermia.
Frostbite and tissue damage.
CONTROLS
Assess temperature and wind conditions.
Wear dry layered clothing.
Protect hands, feet and head.
Replace wet clothing promptly.
Provide planned warm-up breaks.
Reduce prolonged stationary work.
Avoid direct contact with cold metal.
Use a buddy system to monitor workers.
Watch for hypothermia and frostbite symptoms.
Stop work and move affected workers to a warm area.
SUPERVISOR MESSAGE
Team, if conditions are cold and windy today we will consider wind and wetness as well as temperature. Do not continue working in wet gloves or clothing. Report numbness or uncontrolled shivering immediately.
TEAM QUESTIONS
What are today's temperature and wind conditions?
Where is the warming area?
Are dry replacement gloves and clothing available?
Who will work outside for extended periods?
What are the signs of hypothermia?
What will we do if symptoms appear?
FIELD VERIFICATION
Weather assessed
Clothing dry
Layers suitable
Hand protection suitable
Foot protection suitable
Warm area available
Break plan established
Buddy system active
Symptoms explained
Crew briefed
ATTENDANCE AND APPROVAL
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Supervisor Signature
HSE Approval
SERNEM HSE Resource – Permit conditions, risk assessments and site procedures take priority.