Why This Matters
Cold weather doesn’t just make your hands stiff — it increases strain on the heart. For older workers (and even the younger ones carrying extra stress, weight, or caffeine), cold stress can trigger cardiac events quickly and quietly.
When the body gets cold:
Blood vessels constrict
Blood pressure rises
Heart has to pump harder
Heavy tasks can overload the system
This is how heart attacks sneak up on people who “felt fine five minutes ago.”
Warning Signs to Watch For
Tell your crew — especially your experienced hands who tend to “work through it” — that ANY of these are red flags:
Chest pressure, tightness, or pain
Discomfort in shoulders, neck, jaw, or back
Shortness of breath (beyond normal exertion)
Sudden sweating, nausea, or dizziness
Unusual fatigue
If someone stops talking mid-sentence, slows down, or has trouble catching their breath — that’s NOT normal cold-weather behavior.
Cold Weather + Heavy Work = High Risk Tasks
These tasks spike cardiac workload:
Shoveling snow
Carrying heavy materials
Rigging, climbing, hauling tools
Tight time-pressure tasks early in the morning
Cold mornings = warm-up time required.
Protective Steps for the Crew
1. Start Slower
First 20 minutes of the shift are the most dangerous. Allow warm-up time. Make sure your crew is hydrated! No exceptions.
2. Layer Clothing (Including the Core)
Workers lose more heat from the chest and abdomen than the hands.
Cold core = stressed heart.
3. Hydrate (Even in the cold)
Dehydration thickens blood and increases cardiac strain.
4. Rotate Heavy Tasks
Keep older workers out of high-exertion work during the coldest part of the morning if possible.
5. Warm Shelter Breaks
Short, frequent warm-ups reduce cardiac strain better than one long break.
6. Don’t Let Symptoms Slide
“No, Bill, you’re not fine. Sit your ass down.”
Crew Message You Can Read to Them
“Fellas, cold weather hits the heart harder than we think. Older hands, guys with decades on the tools, and anyone with high blood pressure or stress are at higher risk.
If you’re short of breath, dizzy, or feel pressure in your chest — SAY SOMETHING.
We’d rather call EMS early than regret staying quiet.”
If Someone Collapses — Your Response Matters
Call 911 immediately
Start CPR if they’re unresponsive and not breathing normally
Grab the AED — it can bring someone back before EMS arrives
Keep them warm while help is inbound
“Cold weather doesn’t care how tough you are — protect your heart, protect your crew.”