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
More safety checklists
Risks and prevention — Cold weather work
Cold exposure in construction can cause frostbite, hypothermia, and reduced dexterity that increases accident risk. RSST requires employers to implement protective measures when workers face cold thermal stress.
Preventive measures include: layered clothing, heated shelter access, crew rotation, warm-up breaks adjusted to wind chill, and monitoring for hypothermia signs. Fresh concrete, metal, and water accelerate heat loss through conduction and require extra protection.
Scan to access OK Sécurité
Open the app directly on your phone to complete your safety checklists on-site.
ok-securite.com