Encountering weather hazards is unavoidable in many parts of the country, making planning for a winter storm and protecting your workers from cold stress critical.
Winter storms can range from moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard that lasts for several days. Storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures and, sometimes, by strong winds, icing, sleet, and freezing rain. As an employer, you need to begin preparing for potential property damage and interference with your business operations.
Common winter threats to your organization include:
- Employee injuries and illnesses.
- Power loss.
- Communications disruption.
- Supply chain disruption.
- Property damage.
- Transportation accidents.
- Compromised access to facilities.
How to Protect Against Winter Weather Hazards, Extreme Cold
SHRM
Protections from the Cold if ‘Proactive Scheduling’ Isn’t Feasible
SHRM | Jan 2024
When Winter Weather Makes Commuting Dangerous
SHRM | Dec 2019
Please complete the brief survey near the bottom of this page.
Related Resources
Turning Up the Heat on OSHA’s Winter Weather Guidelines
Ogletree
'Tis the Season: OSHA Reminds Employers to Keep Employees Safe in the Cold
Seyfarth
5 Cold-Weather Safety Tips for Employees and Business Leaders
Alert Media
How to Keep Employees Safe During Winter
New Pig
Cold Weather Safety Tips for Employees Working in Winter Weather
AmTrust
Important Winter Safety Tips for Workers
Magid
Tools for Protecting Workers
Winter Weather Preparedness
Personal Protective Equipment
Falls and Other Hazards to Workers Removing Snow from Rooftops and Other Elevated Surfaces
Cold Stress Quick Card | Spanish
OSHA
Alerts, Forecast Maps, and More
Cold Weather Safety
NOAA Weather Radio
National Weather Service
Winter Driving Resources
15 Winter Driving Tips To Keep Your Employees Safe
Connect Team
5 Winter Driving Safety Tips to Share With Your Fleet Before the Hectic Holiday Season
Samba Safety
10 Winter Driving Safety Tips for Employees
Safety Culture
Safe Winter Driving
OSHA
Winter Driving Tips
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
How to Go on Ice and Snow
Get a Grip: A Guide to Wet Weather Driving
AAA Driver Training Programs
SHRM Members' Survey
Tell us what you think about the Express Request self-service feature in a few quick questions.
An organization run by AI is not a futuristic concept. Such technology is already a part of many workplaces and will continue to shape the labor market and HR. Here's how employers and employees can successfully manage generative AI and other AI-powered systems.
Related Content
HR must always include human intelligence and oversight of AI in decision-making in hiring and firing, a legal expert said at SHRM24. She added that HR can ensure compliance by meeting the strictest AI standards, which will be in Colorado’s upcoming AI law.
The proliferation of artificial intelligence in the workplace, and the ensuing expected increase in productivity and efficiency, could help usher in the four-day workweek, some experts predict.
Learn how Marsh McLennan successfully boosts staff well-being with digital tools, improving productivity and work satisfaction for more than 20,000 employees.