Extreme cold

Working in very cold temperatures can be harmful. PCBUs must manage WHS risks caused by exposure to cold weather.

This page is about specific extreme cold risks. Read more about duties and managing risks related to extreme weather.

Extreme cold risks

To identify cold hazards, consider:

• air temperature, such as high altitudes
• air movement or wind speed
• wet weather
• field work in cold climates
• cold from walk-in freezers and cold rooms
• workload (nature of work and duration)
• worker’s fitness (including acclimatisation and any pre-existing conditions)
• adequacy of clothing for weather conditions
• lack of shelter.

Cold-related illness

Cold-related illness occurs when the body is unable to cope after working in environments where the temperature is low, particularly when aggravated by wind, immersion in water, or working in wet clothing. These illnesses include:

• hypothermia, a life-threatening illness that requires immediate first aid and medical attention
• frostbite
• immersion foot syndrome
• chilblain.

Safety measures

PCBUs must first try to eliminate the WHS risks arising from extreme cold. It may be possible to do the work at a different time or place, for example, by cancelling the work or rescheduling it for a warmer time of day.

Substitution, isolation and engineering controls

If elimination is not possible, PCBUs must minimise the WHS risks by substitution, isolation or engineering controls. Examples include:

• working indoors to avoid cold weather
• providing workers with heated rooms away from the cold conditions
• insulating buildings
• relocating workers away from hazardous areas, such as a windy or shaded areas
• providing suitable and well-maintained heating units
• providing screens or other protective structures against wind-chill.

Administrative controls and PPE

Where the risk cannot be appropriately minimised through substitution, isolation, or engineering controls, administrative controls must be considered before PPE.

Administrative controls include:

• limiting work that occurs in the colder parts of the day during extreme temperatures
• allowing flexibility in dress code, where possible
• providing regular, frequent breaks away from cold work areas in heated or warmer areas
• ensuring the first aid room is heated and can be accessed by workers.

Some medical conditions may affect a worker’s ability to cope with the cold. PCBUs must ensure adequate adjustments for workers that are impacted.

When working in the cold, ensure workers have appropriate clothing for the conditions, such as warm, waterproof clothing.

PPE may include:

• windbreakers or coats
• hats, beanies, scarves and gloves
• handwarmers
• heated jackets or vests
• thermal undergarments.

Frost

The presence of frost may also be a hazard to health and safety, creating a risk of slips, trips and falls. Additionally, other working surfaces and the operation of some plant may be affected by frost or very cold temperatures. A PCBU can manage these risks by providing non-slip shoes and conducting risk assessments or maintenance checks for any plant or equipment in low temperatures.

State and territory-specific guidance

• SafeWork NSW – Working in cold environments
• SafeWork SA – At what temperature can you legally stop work?
• WorkSafe QLD – Shiver me timbers: working safely in cold conditions
• WorkSafe Victoria – Safe operation of cold storage facilities: a handbook for workplaces
• WorkSafe Tasmania – Hot and cold environments
• WorkSafe ACT – Working in extreme hot or cold temperatures