Winter brings unique dangers to construction sites. Cold weather, snow, and ice can create serious risks for workers. Slippery surfaces, frostbite, and cold stress become more common during winter months. That’s why a competent person plays a key role in keeping the worksite safe.
This article explains how competent persons should manage winter hazards, respond quickly to risks, and protect workers during cold-weather operations.
Who Is a Competent Person?
A competent person is someone who:
- Knows how to spot hazards
- Has the authority to take action
- Has experience and knowledge of the worksite
Under OSHA rules, this person must be trained to recognize risks and stop work if needed.
In winter, a competent person must check for cold-related hazards every day and decide what actions to take before work begins.
Common Winter Hazards on Construction Sites
Construction work doesn’t stop when temperatures drop. However, winter creates new threats that aren’t present in warmer months. Some of the most common hazards include:
- Slips and falls on icy or snowy surfaces
- Cold stress from long exposure to freezing air
- Frostbite on uncovered skin
- Hypothermia when body temperature drops too low
- Dehydration, even in cold weather
- Reduced visibility due to snow, fog, or shorter daylight
- Equipment malfunctions in freezing conditions
Each of these hazards can cause serious injuries or even death if not addressed quickly.
Daily Site Inspections
A competent person must inspect the worksite before the shift starts. In winter, these checks should focus on:
- Icy walkways, ladders, scaffolds, and stairs
- Snow buildup on roofs or work surfaces
- Malfunctioning heaters or blocked vents
- Wet or frozen electrical cords
- Condition of PPE and cold-weather clothing
These inspections should happen daily—and more often during snowstorms or freezing rain.
Controlling Icy Surfaces
Slips and falls are one of the top winter hazards. The competent person should:
- Apply salt or sand on walkways, stairs, and access points
- Mark slippery areas with signs or cones
- Stop work in areas where ice cannot be removed safely
- Recommend the use of ice cleats or non-slip footwear
Frequent spot checks during the day help keep walking areas safe even as weather conditions change.
Managing Cold Stress
Cold stress happens when the body can’t stay warm. It can lead to frostbite, trench foot, or hypothermia. The competent person must:
- Monitor wind chill levels daily
- Adjust work/rest schedules for extreme cold
- Set up heated shelters or warm-up areas
- Limit time spent outdoors when temperatures fall too low
Workers should never stay in freezing temperatures for long periods without a warm break.
Recognizing Symptoms of Cold Injuries
A competent person must also watch for early signs of cold-related health problems. These include:
Frostbite:
- Numb fingers, ears, nose, or toes
- Pale or waxy-looking skin
- Tingling or stinging pain
Hypothermia:
- Shivering or confusion
- Slurred speech
- Slow movements or clumsiness
- Drowsiness or loss of coordination
When any of these symptoms appear, the competent person must stop the worker and get medical help if needed.
Proper PPE for Cold Weather
The competent person must check that all workers are wearing proper gear. This includes:
- Thermal layers: Base, insulation, and waterproof outer layers
- Waterproof gloves and boots
- Hats or hard hat liners
- Face protection in windy or snowy conditions
Wet or sweaty clothes should be changed often to stay dry and warm.
Equipment Safety in Cold Conditions
Cold weather can affect how tools and machines perform. The competent person should:
- Inspect machines daily for signs of freezing
- Keep fuel lines, batteries, and hoses clear and dry
- Check heaters and defrosters in vehicles
- Make sure machines are not left running unattended near snow piles
All moving equipment must be operated with extra caution on slippery ground.
Safe Use of Temporary Heating Devices
Heaters can help protect workers, but they also bring fire and carbon monoxide risks. A competent person must:
- Approve only safe, approved heaters for use on-site
- Keep heaters away from flammable materials
- Make sure areas are well-ventilated
- Check carbon monoxide detectors near enclosed spaces
Never allow open-flame heaters to be used inside trailers or tight areas without proper ventilation.
Protecting Workers from Fatigue and Dehydration
Cold weather drains energy. Workers often don’t feel thirsty but still lose fluids through breathing and sweating. A competent person should:
- Remind workers to drink warm fluids and stay hydrated
- Allow more frequent rest breaks
- Rotate job assignments to prevent overexertion
Fatigue increases the risk of slips and other accidents.
Communicating Winter Safety Plans
Clear comWinter brings unique dangers to construction sites. Cold weather, snow, and ice can create serious risks for workers. Slippery surfaces, frostbite, and cold stress become more common during winter months. That’s why a competent person plays a key role in keeping the worksite safe.
This article explains how competent persons should manage winter hazards, respond quickly to risks, and protect workers during cold weather operations.
Who Is a Competent Person?
A competent person is someone who:
- Knows how to spot hazards
- Has the authority to take action
- Has experience and knowledge of the worksite
Under OSHA rules, this person must be trained to recognize risks and stop work if needed.
In winter, a competent person must check for cold-related hazards every day and decide what actions to take before work begins.
Common Winter Hazards on Construction Sites
Construction work doesn’t stop when temperatures drop. However, winter creates new threats that aren’t present in warmer months. Some of the most common hazards include:
- Slips and falls on icy or snowy surfaces
- Cold stress from long exposure to freezing air
- Frostbite on uncovered skin
- Hypothermia when body temperature drops too low
- Dehydration, even in cold weather
- Reduced visibility due to snow, fog, or shorter daylight
- Equipment malfunctions in freezing conditions
Each of these hazards can cause serious injuries or even death if not addressed quickly.
Daily Site Inspections
A competent person must inspect the worksite before the shift starts. In winter, these checks should focus on:
- Icy walkways, ladders, scaffolds, and stairs
- Snow buildup on roofs or work surfaces
- Malfunctioning heaters or blocked vents
- Wet or frozen electrical cords
- Condition of PPE and cold-weather clothing
These inspections should happen daily—and more often during snowstorms or freezing rain.
Controlling Icy Surfaces
Slips and falls are one of the top winter hazards. The competent person should:
- Apply salt or sand on walkways, stairs, and access points
- Mark slippery areas with signs or cones
- Stop work in areas where ice cannot be removed safely
- Recommend the use of ice cleats or non-slip footwear
Frequent spot checks during the day help keep walking areas safe even as weather conditions change.
Managing Cold Stress
Cold stress happens when the body can’t stay warm. It can lead to frostbite, trench foot, or hypothermia. The competent person must:
- Monitor wind chill levels daily
- Adjust work/rest schedules for extreme cold
- Set up heated shelters or warm-up areas
- Limit time spent outdoors when temperatures fall too low
Workers should never stay in freezing temperatures for long periods without a warm break.
Recognizing Symptoms of Cold Injuries
A competent person must also watch for early signs of cold-related health problems. These include:
Frostbite:
- Numb fingers, ears, nose, or toes
- Pale or waxy-looking skin
- Tingling or stinging pain
Hypothermia:
- Shivering or confusion
- Slurred speech
- Slow movements or clumsiness
- Drowsiness or loss of coordination
When any of these symptoms appear, the competent person must stop the worker and get medical help if needed.
Proper PPE for Cold Weather
The competent person must check that all workers are wearing proper gear. This includes:
- Thermal layers: Base, insulation, and waterproof outer layers
- Waterproof gloves and boots
- Hats or hard hat liners
- Face protection in windy or snowy conditions
Wet or sweaty clothes should be changed often to stay dry and warm.
Equipment Safety in Cold Conditions
Cold weather can affect how tools and machines perform. The competent person should:
- Inspect machines daily for signs of freezing
- Keep fuel lines, batteries, and hoses clear and dry
- Check heaters and defrosters in vehicles
- Make sure machines are not left running unattended near snow piles
All moving equipment must be operated with extra caution on slippery ground.
Safe Use of Temporary Heating Devices
Heaters can help protect workers, but they also bring fire and carbon monoxide risks. A competent person must:
- Approve only safe, approved heaters for use on-site
- Keep heaters away from flammable materials
- Make sure areas are well-ventilated
- Check carbon monoxide detectors near enclosed spaces
Never allow open-flame heaters to be used inside trailers or tight areas without proper ventilation.
Protecting Workers from Fatigue and Dehydration
Cold weather drains energy. Workers often don’t feel thirsty but still lose fluids through breathing and sweating. A competent person should:
- Remind workers to drink warm fluids and stay hydrated
- Allow more frequent rest breaks
- Rotate job assignments to prevent overexertion
Fatigue increases the risk of slips and other accidents.
Communicating Winter Safety Plans
Clear communication is key. The competent person should:
- Hold daily safety talks before work starts
- Explain weather changes and expected conditions
- Post emergency contact info and warm-up locations
- Keep two-way radios charged and available for crews
All workers must understand where to go and what to do during extreme weather or a medical emergency.
Emergency Planning
The competent person must also prepare for emergencies. This includes:
- Knowing nearest medical centers
- Keeping first aid kits stocked and easy to access
- Having a backup power source for lights and heaters
- Creating a plan for shutting down work during storms or power failures
Practice emergency drills so workers know what to do before a real event happens.
Final Thoughts
Construction work in winter can be safe—if the right actions are taken. The competent person plays a critical role in spotting winter hazards and acting before injuries occur. From icy surfaces and cold stress to frozen equipment, every risk must be handled with attention and speed.
When the competent person takes cold conditions seriously, everyone on site stays safer. Checking conditions daily, managing PPE, and responding to symptoms quickly can prevent injuries and save lives. Winter doesn’t stop construction—but it demands a sharper focus on worker safety.
warm-up locations
- Keep two-way radios charged and available for crews
All workers must understand where to go and what to do during extreme weather or a medical emergency.
Emergency Planning
The competent person must also prepare for emergencies. This includes:
- Knowing nearest medical centers
- Keeping first aid kits stocked and easy to access
- Having a backup power source for lights and heaters
- Creating a plan for shutting down work during storms or power failures
Practice emergency drills so workers know what to do before a real event happens.
Final Thoughts
Construction work in winter can be safe—if the right actions are taken. The competent person plays a critical role in spotting winter hazards and acting before injuries occur. From icy surfaces and cold stress to frozen equipment, every risk must be handled with attention and speed.
When the competent person takes cold conditions seriously, everyone on site stays safer. Checking conditions daily, managing PPE, and responding to symptoms quickly can prevent injuries and save lives. Winter doesn’t stop construction—but it demands a sharper focus on worker safety.