Cold weather doesn’t just make work uncomfortable—it increases risk. From frostbite and hypothermia to slips, trips, and reduced dexterity, winter conditions demand the right personal protective equipment (PPE). Employers have a duty under OSHA’s General Duty Clause to provide a safe workplace, and that includes ensuring employees are properly equipped for cold environments.
With Ving, you can easily assign and track your Winter PPE Training, share quick micro-lessons on cold-weather hazards, and verify compliance with photo or checklist proof—all from one digital dashboard. For additional tips and resources to help your team stay safe on the job, check out our guide on Working In The Cold.
Cold stress, numb hands, and limited visibility can all lead to serious incidents. PPE isn’t just about comfort—it’s essential for preventing injuries, maintaining productivity, and keeping employees focused on the job. For practical strategies and expert insights on protecting your team this winter, explore our resource: Working In The Cold.
When temperatures drop, the risks rise:
Frostbite can occur within minutes when skin is exposed to freezing air.
Hypothermia develops gradually, often going unnoticed until it’s serious.
Slips, trips, and falls are more likely on icy or snow-covered surfaces.
Reduced dexterity from bulky or wet gloves makes handling tools dangerous.
A structured Winter PPE Program, combined with Ving’s automated safety reminders and toolbox talks, ensures your crew stays protected and informed every shift.
Insulated hats or liners under hard hats keep body heat from escaping.
Balaclavas or face masks protect the nose, ears, and cheeks from frostbite.
Anti-fog safety goggles prevent condensation and maintain clear vision in cold, humid air.
For high-visibility worksites, choose reflective outer gear that meets ANSI/ISEA 107 standards for low-light conditions.
💡 Tip: Use a Ving Winter Toolbox Talk to verify that all workers have issued and inspected cold-weather headgear before each shift.
Insulated work gloves designed for dexterity and warmth help prevent frostbite without sacrificing grip.
For wet conditions, water-resistant or waterproof gloves are essential.
Layering can be effective—thin liners under insulated gloves trap warmth while allowing movement.
Assign a Ving Micro-Lesson on glove selection and maintenance so employees know how to balance warmth and safety.
Choose insulated, waterproof boots with slip-resistant soles for traction on ice and snow.
Add removable felt or thermal insoles for extra warmth.
Always wear moisture-wicking socks to prevent dampness that leads to frostbite.
💡 Pro tip: Ving’s automated reminders can prompt workers to inspect footwear weekly and submit photos—proof your team is winter-ready.
Layering is key:
Base layer: Moisture-wicking fabric to keep sweat off the skin.
Middle layer: Insulating fleece or wool to retain heat.
Outer layer: Windproof and waterproof shell for protection from the elements.
High-visibility outerwear ensures workers remain visible in snow or low-light conditions.
With Ving Toolbox Talks, supervisors can share a short training video on proper layering techniques—perfect for pre-shift meetings.
Cold air and wind can cause irritation or blurred vision, so wraparound safety glasses or sealed goggles are ideal.
In high-noise winter operations (like snow removal or heavy machinery use), earmuffs rated for cold weather protect hearing without freezing or breaking down.
In extremely cold or dusty environments, half-mask respirators or thermal-lined face coverings help protect against airborne particles and cold air exposure.
Always make sure the PPE is compatible with other gear, like safety glasses and hard hats.
Assign this topic as part of your Ving Winter PPE Refresher Training to confirm all respirators are inspected and fitted properly.
Dry gear daily: Wet clothing conducts heat away from the body, increasing frostbite risk.
Inspect regularly: Check for wear, tears, and compromised insulation.
Store properly: Keep PPE in dry, warm areas to prevent freezing or mildew.
Replace worn gear promptly: Don’t risk safety with damaged or outdated PPE.
Using Ving’s Auto-Repeat feature, you can set up recurring PPE inspections and require workers to confirm completion each week.
Ving makes it easy to:
✅ Assign Winter PPE Training to every employee in seconds.
✅ Send micro-reminders on cold stress prevention and PPE care.
✅ Track PPE inspections with digital checklists and photo verification.
✅ Collect data to identify trends—like missing gear or overdue replacements.
✅ Prove OSHA compliance with automatic documentation and reports.
Instead of chasing paperwork or reminders, you can focus on what matters most—keeping your workers safe and warm all season long.