Staying Safe While Working Outdoors in Winter in Brampton

When temperatures drop below freezing and the wind cuts across open parking lots and building sites, most of Brampton heads indoors. But plenty of people keep working outside: construction crews, parcel and food delivery drivers, crossing guards, landscapers switching to snow removal, transit and road workers, security guards, and staff loading trucks at distribution centres along the highway corridors.

Cold weather does more than make a shift uncomfortable. It can lead to frostbite and hypothermia, increase the risk of slips and falls, dry and crack the skin, and make it harder to concentrate and use your hands safely. Many of these problems develop gradually, and the person affected is often the last to notice.

Planning ahead makes a big difference. The team at Pharmasave BramCity, 14 Lisa Street, regularly helps outdoor workers with winter skin care, hand warmers, first aid supplies and questions about how medications affect cold tolerance. This guide pulls together practical advice for getting through the season safely.

How cold affects the body during a long shift

The body works hard to keep its core temperature steady. In cold conditions, it narrows the blood vessels in the skin, hands and feet to keep warm blood flowing to vital organs. That is why fingers and toes feel cold first and are most at risk of injury.

Wind speeds up heat loss significantly, which is why a windy minus five can feel far colder than a still minus ten. Moisture is another major factor. Wet clothing, whether from snow, rain or sweat, draws heat away from the body much faster than dry clothing. Workers who are active and sweating, then stand still for a while, can cool down quickly.

Fatigue, hunger and dehydration all reduce the body’s ability to cope with cold. Long shifts, missed meals and limited access to warm drinks add up over the day.

Layering clothing the smart way

Layers trap warm air and let you adjust as your activity level changes. A common approach uses three layers:

• Base layer: a snug, moisture-wicking fabric such as synthetic or wool that moves sweat away from the skin. Cotton holds moisture and is a poor choice next to the skin in the cold.
• Middle layer: an insulating layer such as fleece or wool that holds warmth.
• Outer layer: a windproof and water-resistant shell that protects against wind, snow and rain while letting moisture escape.

Cover your head, ears and neck, since a lot of heat can be lost from uncovered areas. A toque or liner that fits under a hard hat, a neck warmer and insulated, waterproof boots with good tread are essentials. Keep a spare set of socks and gloves in your vehicle or bag so you can change if they get wet.

Make sure layers do not interfere with safety equipment, visibility or movement. High-visibility outerwear is important for anyone working near traffic, especially on short winter days.

Recognising frostbite early

Frostbite happens when skin and the tissue beneath it freeze. It most often affects fingers, toes, ears, nose and cheeks. Early frostbite, sometimes called frostnip, causes redness, stinging or numbness, and the skin may look pale. With deeper freezing, skin can turn white or greyish-yellow, feel hard or waxy, and become numb.

If you suspect frostbite:

• Get out of the cold and into a warm place
• Remove wet or tight clothing and jewellery from the area
• Warm the area gently using body heat or lukewarm (not hot) water
• Do not rub or massage the skin, and do not use direct heat such as a heater or hot water bottle
• Avoid walking on frostbitten feet if possible

Seek medical care for anything beyond mild frostnip, especially if numbness persists, blisters form or skin colour does not return to normal. Do not let the area refreeze after warming.

Hypothermia: when the whole body gets too cold

Hypothermia occurs when the body’s core temperature drops too low. It can develop in cold, wet or windy conditions even when temperatures are above freezing, particularly if someone is tired or wet.

Early signs include shivering, cold pale skin, clumsiness, and fumbling with tools. As it progresses, a person may become confused, slur their speech, seem unusually drowsy or irritable, and shivering may actually stop. Because confusion is a symptom, people with hypothermia often do not recognise it in themselves.

Hypothermia is a medical emergency. Call 911, move the person to a warm, dry place, remove wet clothing and cover them with blankets, paying attention to the head and core. Give warm, non-alcoholic drinks only if they are fully alert and able to swallow. Work in pairs or check in on each other regularly during very cold weather.

Slips, falls and winter footing

Falls on ice are one of the most common winter injuries for workers. Parking lots, loading docks, steps, ramps and the path between a delivery van and a front door can all be treacherous.

Wear footwear with deep, slip-resistant treads, and consider ice cleats if your job involves walking on packed snow or ice, removing them before stepping onto smooth indoor floors. Walk with shorter steps, keep your centre of gravity over your feet and use handrails. Keep your hands free when you can, rather than carrying loads that block your view of the ground.

If you do fall and are hurt, report it according to your workplace procedures. Strains and sprains from winter falls are common; Pharmasave BramCity offers information on muscle strains and sprains, and the pharmacist can advise whether pharmacy care is suitable. A fall with a head injury, a possible broken bone or severe pain needs prompt medical care.

Medications and conditions that affect cold tolerance

Some health conditions and medications can change how your body responds to cold. Diabetes, circulation problems, Raynaud’s phenomenon, thyroid conditions and heart disease can increase risk or make warning signs harder to notice. Certain medications, including some for blood pressure, mood, sleep and allergies, can affect circulation, alertness or the body’s ability to regulate temperature.

Alcohol and cannabis can impair judgement and increase heat loss, even though alcohol may make you feel warm. They should never be part of a plan for coping with cold.

If you work outdoors and take regular medications, ask the pharmacist whether any of them could affect your safety in the cold. A medication review is a good opportunity to go through your full list. People with diabetes who work outside should pay particular attention to foot care and blood sugar; the pharmacy’s diabetes support page is a starting point for those conversations.

Fuel, fluids and breaks in the cold

Your body burns more energy keeping warm. Eat regular meals and pack snacks that are easy to eat with gloves on. Warm drinks and soup help with comfort and morale. Although you may not feel thirsty in the cold, you still lose fluid through breathing and sweating, so keep drinking water.

Take warm-up breaks in a heated space when you can, and use them to change damp layers. Delivery drivers who hop in and out of a warm vehicle all day face a different challenge: repeated temperature swings and damp clothing from snow melting in the cab. Leaving a layer off while driving and putting it back on before stepping out can help you avoid overheating and then chilling. Workplaces in Ontario have duties to protect workers from hazards, which can include cold stress. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety has worker-oriented information on cold stress and safe work practices that you can share with your supervisor.

Winter skin, lips and eyes

Cold, wind and dry indoor heat take a toll on exposed skin. Apply a thick, fragrance-free moisturiser to your face and hands before heading out, and use a lip balm. Sun reflecting off snow can still burn exposed skin and strain the eyes, so sunscreen and sunglasses or tinted safety glasses are worth considering on bright days.

If your hands crack and bleed or develop an itchy rash, the pharmacist can talk with you about skin irritations and dermatitis and suggest suitable products.

A cold-weather kit for your vehicle or locker

Consider keeping these items handy through the winter:

• Spare gloves, socks and a toque
• Chemical hand and foot warmers, used according to package directions
• A thermos for warm drinks and some high-energy snacks
• Moisturiser, lip balm and sunscreen
• A basic first aid kit and a foil emergency blanket
• Ice cleats and a small brush or scraper
• A phone charger and a list of emergency contacts and medications

Hand warmers should not be placed directly against the skin for long periods, and people with reduced sensation should be especially careful with them.

Get ready for winter shifts with Pharmasave BramCity

Whether you are stocking up on skin care, putting together a vehicle kit or wondering how your medications might affect you in the cold, the BramCity pharmacy team is happy to help.

Visit 14 Lisa Street, Brampton, ON L6T 4W2, or call (905) 460-0330. Check our contact page for store information, or book a consultation to go over your medications in more detail.

Let us know what your workday looks like outdoors. The more we know about your job, the more practical our suggestions can be.

This article offers general safety and health information. In an emergency, call 911. For personal advice about cold exposure or your medications, speak with a pharmacist or doctor.