Employees exposed to cold
environmental hazards should have working knowledge of the kinds of
hazards which may be present in workplace. OSHA's General Duty
Clause (29 USC Sec. 654(a)) requires employers to provide a form of
employment free from recognized hazards.
When hazards cannot be
eliminated, employers must ensure that the threat posed by hazard is
minimized. Cold stress is an environmental hazards that fall under the
General Duty Clause. Training workers to recognize the signs and
symptoms of cold-related illnesses can help minimize the risk of
working in extreme temperatures.
