Safe working procedures vital during cold winter months

January 23, 2026 (Winnipeg) – Bitterly cold temperatures across Manitoba increase the risk of serious cold-related injuries for people working outdoors. SAFE Work Manitoba, a division of the Workers Compensation Board, is reminding employers and workers to take steps to prepare for extreme cold conditions to prevent cold stress and injury.

“Extreme cold is a significant workplace hazard in our province,” said Dave Kramer, Vice President of SAFE Work Manitoba. “Anyone working outside should have a plan in place for these dangerously cold days. Employers should make sure they have proper procedures in place for periods of extremely low temperatures, so workers are prepared and protected.”

Cold stress is the body’s inability to control its internal temperature and can cause frostbite and hypothermia. It can result in serious illness or death. Cold temperatures, high or cold wind, immersion in low-temperature water, physical exertion and improper or inadequate clothing are some factors that put workers at risk.

Here are ways to protect yourself and your workers from cold stress:

• Assess the weather conditions before heading out to the worksite, and throughout the day.
• Wear layered, dry and insulated clothing with a windproof and waterproof outer shell.
• Monitor yourself and your co-workers while you are working outside. 
• Take warm-up breaks in heated shelters, which should be available nearby when the temperature is -7˚C or lower. 
• Stay hydrated with warm, sweet drinks.
• Keep your body moving but limit heavy work to avoid perspiration.

If someone is experiencing cold stress, follow these tips:

• Relocate the person to a warm area and move their body continuously.
• Replace their wet clothes with dry clothes and blankets.
• Provide warm (not hot), sweet drinks.
• Call 911 immediately if you think someone is experiencing hypothermia or extreme frostbite.

For more detailed information, please visit our website and refer to the Guideline for Thermal Stress.

The Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba serves workers and employers through a no-fault insurance system integral to the Manitoba economy. Funded by employers, the WCB promotes safe and healthy workplaces, facilitates recovery and return to work, delivers supportive compensation services, and ensures responsible stewardship of Manitoba’s workers compensation system.

SAFE Work Manitoba, a division of the WCB, is dedicated to preventing workplace injury and illness. Working with safety partners, we provide prevention education, safety programming, consulting, and strategic direction to create a culture of safety for all Manitobans.

For more information, visit wcb.mb.ca.

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