Safety checklist — Cold weather work
Prevention of frostbite and hypothermia on site. Compliant with Québec's Construction Safety Code (CSTC) and CNESST standards.
Before work
12 items- ✓
Multi-layer clothing: technical base layer, insulating layer, windproof/waterproof shell
- ✓
Extremities protected: toque under hard hat, neck gaiter, insulated gloves, boot covers
- ✓
Wind chill index checked — adjust breaks accordingly
ℹ️ At −27°C (wind chill): warm-up break every 55 min
- ✓
Heated shelter accessible nearby for mandatory breaks
- ✓
Hot beverages available — avoid coffee (dehydration)
- ✓
Buddy monitoring system — recognize hypothermia signs
- ✓
Alternate between physical and light tasks to maintain warmth
- ✓
Breaks in heated shelter per wind chill chartCritical
ℹ️ CNESST: mandatory breaks per wind chill index
- ✓
Watch for frostbite signs: white skin, numbness, tingling
- ✓
Watch for hypothermia signs: shivering, confusion, drowsinessCritical
ℹ️ Severe hypothermia = medical emergency — call 911 immediately
- ✓
Change wet clothing immediately
- ✓
Icy surfaces treated — salt, sand or anti-slip mats
After work
3 items- ✓
Clothing dried for next day — don't leave in vehicle
- ✓
Report any persistent frostbite or numbness signs
- ✓
Equipment protected from freezing (batteries, hydraulic fluids)
More checklists — Cross-cutting Situations
Road work / Signage
Roadside work and construction site signage
15 checks
Asbestos / Decontamination
Asbestos removal and decontamination work
19 checks
Work at height
Fall protection, harness and lifeline
17 checks
Confined space
Entry and work in confined spaces
18 checks
Hot weather work
Prevention of heat stroke on site
14 checks
Manual handling
Lifting and carrying loads by hand
13 checks