Photo: Chester Wiker/Adobe Stock
Recent arctic weather systems have resulted in record-breaking low temperatures with most of the country experiencing sub-freezing conditions in January, even in warmer climes not typically susceptible to wintry weather such as the Deep South.
Workplace related slip-and-fall accidents due to ice and snow, for example, more than doubled from 326 in December 2024 to 771 in January 2025. The surge in cold weather injuries affects employees across various sectors, including those who have limited exposure to wintry conditions.
Of course, those most at risk are employees who experience prolonged outdoor exposure, conduct physical labor in cold conditions, or operate vehicles or heavy machinery in winter weather.
Industries that experience the coldest weather-related injury claims include construction, transportation and logistics, utilities, emergency services, waste management, and retail. The inclusion of retail in this list may come as a surprise, but while it’s true these employees work primarily indoors, they face significant risks during commutes, walking to workplaces and encountering icy ground conditions.
How cold affects the body
While slip-and-fall injuries due to ice are most common, they’re not the only risks exacerbated by exposure to frigid weather. Cold temperatures can cause muscles, tendons, and ligaments to tighten and become less flexible. This can make it harder for employees to move freely, increasing the likelihood of injury.
While less common, hypothermia and frostbite also pose concerns. Cold weather can restrict blood flow to extremities, causing body tissues to freeze due to prolonged exposure to extremely low temperatures.
These conditions often develop gradually, without the employee realizing he or she is in danger. As body temperature drops, mental function also becomes impaired, so a hypothermic person can easily mistake confusion and drowsiness for simple fatigue. Frostbite deadens the nerves, so it can be difficult to discern whether one’s extremities are just numb or in danger of serious tissue damage.
Who is most at risk?
Employees with preexisting conditions should take increased precautions when working in cold weather. Those with diabetes, for example, may have trouble regulating blood sugar due to decreased circulation, while employees with cardiovascular diagnoses can exacerbate their conditions due to blood vessel constriction.
Likewise, employees with asthma or COPD are at higher risk of sustaining cardiovascular events in severe winter weather. Cold air is typically drier, which can cause irritation and tightening of airways, resulting in shortness of breath.
These kinds of cold weather injuries can be prevented by taking proper precautions, starting with employee education and training in preparing, recognizing and treating for cold-stress symptoms. This includes keeping staff properly hydrated since cold, dry air accelerates dehydration.
Employers should establish clear clothing guidelines for frigid temperatures and even provide personnel who will be working outdoors for significant amounts of time with appropriate protective equipment to help ward off cold. Shelters with radiant heaters in outdoor work areas can provide critical temporary relief from extreme conditions, helping prevent muscles and tendons from tightening up and keeping hypothermia and frostbite at bay.
Role of triage services
When injuries do occur, quick response is crucial. A well-thought out, systematic approach enables employees to receive prompt professional guidance on site, which can reduce injury severity and facilitate quicker recovery.
These services allow employees to connect telephonically at the time of injury with registered nurses who, through a series of medical questions, assess the injury and determine if it necessitates treatment or can be treated through self-care. In non-emergency situations, the nurse can recommend a plan of action ranging from simple first-aid, self-care instructions to being seen by a provider.
If the recommendation is self-care and the employee agrees, which occurs in 41% of cases, the nurse provides instructions. A follow-up call attempt is made to ensure the injury is improving.
If treatment is indicated, the employee can be referred (if jurisdictionally allowed), to a preferred provider in the employer’s workers’ comp network. This ensures the employee will be seen by a credentialed provider experienced in the treatment of work-related injuries.
As extreme weather events become more common, employers must remain vigilant in protecting their workforce from cold weather-related injuries. By implementing comprehensive prevention strategies and maintaining quick response protocols, organizations can better manage the risks associated with winter weather conditions and protect their employees' well-being.
Through proper preparation and response measures, employers can significantly reduce the impact of cold weather-related incidents on their workforce and operations and reduce workers’ comp claims.
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