Cold Stress Awareness: Hypothermia & Frostbite Safety Guide

Working in the oilfield during winter brings a unique set of risks—and one of the most dangerous is cold stress. When temperatures drop, the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, increasing the chances of hypothermia, frostbite, and cold-related injuries.

Understanding the early warning signs can save lives, prevent downtime, and keep your crew protected throughout the winter season.

What Is Cold Stress?

Cold stress occurs when the body can’t maintain its core temperature. Wind, moisture, and freezing equipment accelerate heat loss, making outdoor job sites especially hazardous.

When cold stress sets in, workers may experience slower reaction times, reduced alertness, and impaired decision-making—factors that increase the risk of accidents.

Recognizing Hypothermia in the Field

Hypothermia happens when the body temperature drops below 95°F (35°C). It can escalate quickly, especially in wet or windy conditions.

Early Symptoms

• Shivering

• Fatigue

• Poor coordination

• Mild confusion

• Tingling or numb fingers

Severe Signs (Emergency)

• Slurred speech

• Loss of balance

• Weak pulse

• Skin turning cold or bluish

• Unresponsiveness

Immediate Response:
Move the worker to warmth, remove wet clothing, wrap them in blankets, and call emergency medical services.

Spotting Frostbite Before It Becomes Severe

Frostbite occurs when skin and underlying tissues freeze. It most commonly affects the nose, ears, cheeks, fingers, and toes.

Warning Signs

• Pale, gray, or waxy skin

• Numbness or tingling

• Hard-feeling skin

• Blistering in advanced cases

What To Do:
Warm the area gradually with body heat, avoid rubbing or applying direct heat, and seek medical help.

Who Is Most at Risk During Winter Operations?

Workers are more vulnerable if they:

• Spend long periods in freezing temperatures

• Work with wet or metal tools

• Have limited access to warm-up breaks

• Wear insufficient PPE

• Are dehydrated, tired, or exposed to high winds

Even a short walk to a piece of equipment can put workers at risk when temperatures are low.

Preventing Cold Stress on the Jobsite

Wear Proper Winter PPE

• Thermal layers

• Waterproof outerwear

• Insulated gloves

• Insulated boots

• Face coverings or balaclavas

Schedule Regular Warm-Up Breaks

Rotating workers helps prevent cold-related injuries and maintains alertness.

Keep Gear Dry

Wet PPE drastically increases heat loss. Always keep spare gloves and socks on hand.

Train Workers on Warning Signs

Quick recognition prevents long-term damage and saves lives.

Use Buddy Checks

Pair workers during extreme cold to monitor each other for symptoms.

Why Cold Stress Training Matters

Winter weather affects both workers and equipment. When crews understand how to spot hypothermia and frostbite early, they’re better equipped to keep operations safe, efficient, and incident-free.

Building a culture of winter readiness strengthens your safety program and protects every team member in the field.

At Basin Safety, we’re here to help your team stay safe, prepared, and confident in winter conditions. From cold stress awareness training to customized winter safety programs, we make sure your crew is ready for anything on the job.

Reach out today and let’s get your winter safety training on the schedule. Your team’s protection starts now.