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Farmers know the weather forecast better than anyone, so when it comes to cold weather, it’s just using information you already have. But when harsh winter temperatures start to ease in the spring, it’s easy to forget the cold weather hazards that spring brings.

So, what should you watch for?

Chilblains
Chilblains are painful inflammation of small blood vessels in the skin, caused by the repeated exposure to temperatures just above freezing to as high as 60°F.

Trench foot
Trench foot is a non-freezing injury of the feet caused by prolonged exposure to wet and cold conditions. It can occur in temperatures as high as 60°F if feet are constantly wet. Wet feet lose heat 25-times faster than dry feet.

Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when the internal body temperature drops from losing heat faster than it can be produced. It can occur even in the spring at cool temperatures (above 40°F) if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or immersion in cold water.

Frostbite
Frostbite is caused by the freezing of the skin and tissues. Frostbite can cause permanent damage to the body, and in severe cases can lead to amputation. The risk of frostbite is increased in people with reduced blood circulation and among people who are not dressed properly for extremely cold temperatures.

So, what can we do?

Fuel your body
Eat and stay hydrated throughout the day to keep energy up. Don’t overload on caffeine; it causes your body to lose heat faster.

Wear appropriate gear
Start with a moisture-wicking base layer and then add layers for the conditions, especially focused on the wind, rain, and wind chill. Select footwear and gloves based on the conditions and type of work you are doing. Don’t forget a hat or hood, as up to 40% of body heat can go out of the top of our heads. Adding a scarf or knit mask to cover your face and mouth is important in extreme cold.

Wet clothing chills the body quickly, so bring a basic change of clothes and footwear along.

Plan ahead
Check your first aid kit to ensure it is updated and accessible. Include items like chemical hot packs and thermal blankets. Arrange outdoor tasks for the warmer parts of the day and plan time for frequent breaks in heated areas.

Want more safety tips?

A safety consultation is a valuable service included at no additional cost with your BWC premium. Our safety consultants can help you identify potential hazards and develop a plan to eliminate them. Contact your local BWC service office: call 800-644-6292, or submit a request online to improve the safety of your ag business.

And don’t forget to register for the 2025 Ohio Safety Congress & Expo at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, April 16-18, 2025.