Marion Barnes, Senior County Extension Agent – Clemson University

Be Prepared for Winter Farm Work – Although activities on the farm tend to slow down during winter months, daily responsibilities continue, and winter weather can make conditions more hazardous. Exposure to cold is not just uncomfortable; it can also be a potentially dangerous situation. The following are a few tips that can make working outdoors in colder temperatures safer.
- Dress in layers to avoid cold-related illnesses; layering will allow you to shed clothing when temperatures warm up. You can also add layers again if you get cold. Be aware of entanglement hazards while wearing coats and bulky clothing when working near PTOs and farm equipment.
- Select the proper winter clothing. Materials matter. Start with a base layer of materials with moisture-wicking properties. Avoid cotton as an inner layer since it is ineffective at keeping moisture away from your skin.
- Approximately 40% of body heat loss occurs when the head and face are exposed. Choose an insulated hat that covers the head and ears.
- Winter boots with dry socks and insulated gloves protect feet and hands during cold weather. Hand dexterity can be affected at temperatures below 59 deg. F. Wet, cold hands cause a chill to set in quickly. During certain conditions, frostbite can occur in as little as 10 to 30 minutes.
- Avoid getting wet. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), body heat can be lost 24 times faster when clothing becomes wet.
- Slips, trips & falls are leading causes of farm injuries. Ice and snow create slippery conditions around the farm. Be aware of ice-coated surfaces, including walkways and steps on equipment. Always use 3 points of contact when mounting and dismounting equipment.
- Farmers sometimes pay more attention to the health and nutrition of their livestock than themselves. Take care of your health by staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy diet and getting adequate rest. If you take prescription medication, check with your doctor to determine whether you need to take special precautions when working in the cold.
- Take breaks from the cold. Just as you need to take rest breaks during hot weather, your body needs to take warmup breaks from the cold. Avoiding exhaustion and fatigue is essential to reserve energy and keep muscles warm. Taking breaks in warm, sheltered locations is key to working safely in cold weather.
- Know the signs and symptoms of cold-induced conditions and how to respond and treat them with first aid.
- If working alone during cold weather, ensure someone knows your location and work schedule. Keep a fully charged cell phone with you and check in often.
- If you don’t have to work outside, don’t! Most likely, the weather will change in 24 to 48 hours, so if the task can wait until temperatures are higher and the wind is lower, do so.
- Monitor weather conditions when working outdoors. By keeping track of weather conditions, you will be better prepared to plan for and deal with extreme conditions.
For more information on farm safety, contact your local Clemson Extension Office.
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