Winter Weather: Employee Safety is a 38-minute online course that trains employees on recognizing and preventing cold stress injuries including hypothermia, frostbite, and trench foot. It is designed for employers with outdoor or cold-environment workers and includes a downloadable certificate of completion.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports approximately 190 workplace cases per year involving exposure to environmental cold that result in days away from work. Cold stress injuries - including hypothermia, frostbite, and trench foot - can cause permanent tissue damage and death if left untreated. While OSHA does not have a dedicated cold-weather standard, the General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act) requires employers to protect workers from recognized hazards, including winter weather conditions. Employers who fail to implement cold stress prevention measures risk General Duty Clause citations carrying penalties up to $16,550 per serious violation.
This course prepares your employees to identify cold stress symptoms in themselves and their coworkers, dress appropriately for cold environments, and follow safe work practices during winter conditions. Your team will learn how wind chill affects heat loss, the warning signs of hypothermia and frostbite, and when to seek emergency medical attention. The training also covers safe winter driving practices, slip and fall prevention on icy surfaces, and proper use of engineering controls like radiant heaters and warm recovery areas.
OSHA does not have a specific standard that covers working in cold environments. However, under Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act - the General Duty Clause - employers must provide a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm, including cold stress hazards. OSHA's cold stress guidance directs employers to train workers on cold-related hazards, monitor physical conditions, provide engineering controls such as radiant heaters, and schedule frequent warm-up breaks. Employers who fail to address known winter weather hazards can be cited under the General Duty Clause, with serious violations carrying penalties up to $16,550 and willful violations up to $165,514. Five states - California, Colorado, Minnesota, Oregon, and Washington - have adopted state-level heat standards that may also inform cold weather enforcement expectations. As climate patterns shift and extreme weather events become less predictable, OSHA inspectors are increasingly evaluating employer preparedness for both heat and cold exposure.
| Team Size | Price per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 - 9 | $29.95 |
| 10 - 24 | $23.95 |
| 25 - 49 | $21.55 |
| 50 - 99 | $17.50 |
This course is available in English, Spanish, and Multi-Language CC at no additional charge.
Certificate of completion included. Downloadable upon passing the final assessment.