Cold weather gear for construction workers

Working outdoors during the winter introduces serious risks—freezing temperatures, strong wind chills, slippery surfaces, and reduced dexterity. Cold stress, hypothermia, and frostbite can happen quickly if construction crews aren’t equipped with the right protective gear.

In this guide, we outline the best cold weather PPE, layering strategies, and site safety practices to help keep your team safe and productive all season long.

Cold weather hazards on the jobsite: what construction crews need to know

Working outdoors in winter introduces a wide range of safety risks—from freezing temperatures to operational hazards like snow removal or power outages. Understanding and preparing for these hazards is critical to protecting your crew from injury, illness, or worse.

Health risks from cold exposure

Prolonged exposure to cold conditions can cause serious health complications. According to Healthline, the top cold-related dangers to the human body include:

Frostbite: Often affects the ears, nose, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes. Symptoms include numbness, hard or waxy-feeling skin, blisters, and in extreme cases, blackened tissue.
Hypothermia: Can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. Warning signs include shivering, clumsiness, confusion, fatigue, and excessive urination.
Heart stress: Cold weather forces the heart to work harder to maintain core body temperature, increasing the risk of heart attacks—especially for those with existing conditions.
Cold stress: According to OSHA’s HAZWOPER guidelines, cold stress may cause loss of coordination, reduced mental alertness, and diminished dexterity—all of which heighten injury risk.

Environmental & worksite hazards

In addition to physical health risks, OSHA’s Winter Weather Hazards page outlines critical jobsite threats and safety precautions:

Slips, trips, and falls: Ice and snow make ladders, scaffolding, and surfaces especially hazardous. Fall prevention measures and proper footwear are essential.
Snow removal & roof work: Tasks like shoveling snow or using snow blowers can lead to overexertion, back injuries, or falls from height when clearing rooftops.
Vehicle-related risks: Workers face higher risk of accidents while driving in snow, slush, or on icy roads—especially in work zones or when stranded in extreme conditions.
Electrical hazards: Working near damaged or downed power lines after storms poses a major risk of electrocution. Stay alert and follow proper lockout/tagout procedures.