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January 2026
Get Home Safe Newsletter

Cold Stress Is Real. Protect Your Team This Winter

North Dakota winters are no joke. Cold, wind and fatigue can sneak up fast and turn dangerous, even for seasoned workers. Frostbite, hypothermia and trench foot are medical emergencies that can set in before someone knows they’re in trouble. A solid winter safety plan keeps workers protected, teams productive and everyone headed home safe.​ Warning Signs to Watch for: Hypothermia - Shivering that may stop in late stages - Slurred speech or confusion - Trouble using hands or staying alert Frostbite - Numb, pale or grayish skin - Firm or waxy feel to the skin Trench Foot - Swelling, pain or tingling in feet - Discoloration that worsens with rewarming Encourage supervisors to check in with outdoor crews often. Cold stress builds faster than people think.

Prevention Tips for Employers

• Dress for the cold: Layer properly. Avoid cotton. Use insulated, wind-resistant PPE.

• Limit exposure: Rotate tasks and schedule warm-up breaks in heated areas.

• Support warmth: Provide hot drinks, warm-up areas, and layering reminders.

Why It Matters

Cold-related injuries are preventable. But once they start, they get serious fast. A little planning protects your people and your operations. It also reduces claims, supports morale, and keeps your team sharp when it matters most. You can't control the weather, but you can control the plan. Additional Resources: OSHA Cold Stress Guide CDC/NIOSH Winter Work Safety Resources North Dakota Road and Travel Conditions – NDDOT

Check Out the New Videos in our Work & Play Snapshots Series

We're sharing more Work & Play Snapshot videos this month spotlighting more industries and winter pastimes as we travel through snowy days.

Watch these and our other videos on our YouTube Channel. Downloadable versions of the Work and Play Snapshots and the Safety Tip videos are available on the Get Home Safe Resources page by clicking the video and then the three dots.

Resources to Take with You

Download the monthly poster

Download the poster pack to receive 4 posters with different header images. They're great for hanging around the workplace or sending to employees.

Download the monthly message 

Share the message about mental health awareness and care.

This message is great to:

• Copy into a routine safety email.
• Discuss in safety meetings.
• Post on your intranet.

Get Involved: More Events and Resources 

Join us at the NDSC Safety + Health Conference for a Get Home Safe Panel Discussion February 24th from 3:30 - 5:00 P.M. Check out all the other safety training sessions throughout the week too! 

Visit our Resource Page for more posters, videos, and other resources. You can also shop our online store and open previous month's toolkits. 

If you received this newsletter from a friend, learn more about Get Home Safe North Dakota and sign up to have monthly resources delivered to your inbox.