UPDATED JULY 2023

Upper Midwest winters are known for biting cold, chilling winds, ice, snow, and sleet. For those in agriculture, especially those working with livestock, the work doesn’t stop in the winter – making cold conditions not only a challenge but a serious hazard on the farm. While working through the winter chill may be tempting, cold, wet, and windy conditions can be dangerous, potentially leading to severe illnesses, injuries, or death. 

Cold stress occurs when the body loses heat and cannot warm itself. Four factors contribute to cold stress: cold temperatures, high or cold wind, dampness, and cold water. Exposure to cold and wet weather can cause life-threatening conditions like hypothermia, frostbite, trench foot, and chilblains (itching, red patches, swelling, and blistering on your hands and feet).

Although we cannot stop the winter chill, we can practice safety to better protect ourselves. The proper precautions can help prevent and minimize the risk of cold stress among you and your workers.

That’s why UMASH has created a Cold Stress toolkit with resources to recognize signs and symptoms of cold stress so you can stay safe while working through the winter.

FEATURED RESOURCES

Cold Stress on the Farm - Fact Sheet

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Prevent Cold Stress - Poster

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COLD STRESS TOOLKIT