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Hypothermia Prevention

Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can make it, and it can develop even in cool, wet weather above freezing. Prevention is far easier than rescue.

What is hypothermia?

Hypothermia is a dangerous drop in body temperature. It affects the brain and body, making it harder to think and move, which is why people in trouble often fail to recognize it themselves.

It is not limited to deep winter. Cold rain, wet clothing, wind and a fall into water can all cause it, so farm workers should treat damp cool days with respect.

A body can lose heat to wet ground, cold equipment and wind, not only to cold air. Sitting on a frozen surface or leaning on metal for a repair draws heat away more than people expect.

• Cool, wet weather is enough
• Wind and wet clothing speed heat loss

What makes hypothermia more likely on a farm?

Wet clothing, wind, falls through ice or into ponds, sitting still in an unheated cab and working alone are common situations. Fatigue, hunger and dehydration reduce your ability to stay warm.

Some medical conditions and medicines change how your body handles cold. Ask your clinician about your own situation.

If you are unsure whether symptoms are mild or serious, treat them as serious and call for help. Confusion in particular should always be handled as an emergency.

• Wet clothes after rain, snow or slush
• Wind in open equipment
• Falling into cold water
• Long exposure without breaks
• Working alone

What are the signs?

Shivering, stumbling, slurred speech, confusion and unusual drowsiness are warning signs. Shivering may stop as things get worse, which is not a sign of improvement.

If you see these signs in a coworker or family member, treat it as an emergency. Call 911 and follow the dispatcher's instructions. Do not rely on improvised treatment.

Cold, wet days in early spring and late fall are often underestimated. Dress for wet weather as seriously as you would for a deep freeze, and keep dry clothes handy for changing.

How can you stay dry?

Staying dry is a core prevention step. Choose clothing and boots suited to wet work, bring spare dry layers and change out of soaked clothes at the first chance. A heated place for changing makes this practical.

For specifics on materials and protective equipment, follow product manufacturer guidance and NIOSH or OSHA resources.

Check on older family members and neighbors who still do chores. They may be at higher risk and less likely to ask for help. A short phone call before chores can make a real difference.

How should you plan the work?

Match tasks to the weather. Move wet jobs to the warmest part of the day when possible, and avoid long stretches of standing in water, mud or snow.

Set a buddy system or check-in schedule. Tell a family member when you leave and when you expect to be back, and carry a phone.

Never go out into a storm to start a long outdoor task just because the chore list says so. Delay it or shorten it when conditions are dangerous, and make sure someone knows your plan.

• Tell someone your plan
• Move wet jobs to the warmest part of the day
• Carry a charged phone

What if someone falls through ice or into water?

Call 911 right away. Do not enter the water or ice to attempt a rescue. Rescue takes specialized training and equipment, and would-be rescuers are often hurt.

Learn about water and ice safety from the American Red Cross and your local fire and rescue department before winter.

Water and ice hazards deserve their own preparation. Fire and rescue departments often offer talks on ice safety, and the Red Cross offers courses that cover cold-related emergencies and first aid.

Where can you learn more?

NIOSH, OSHA and extension offices publish cold stress and winter safety information. First aid courses from the American Red Cross provide hands-on skills.

Requirements for employers differ by state, so confirm with OSHA and your state agency.

Print the farm address and emergency numbers where everyone can see them. Practice giving directions to a dispatcher so that anyone, including a teenager, can do it calmly.

• Red Cross first aid and water safety courses
• Fire and rescue department ice safety talks

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Safety Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.