Northwest Ohio’s wet weather conditions have pushed fall harvest back into late November and December. As temperatures fall, farmers will face increasingly cold temperatures and will be exposed to the elements for a longer period of time.

Here are a few tips and safety reminders for working in these rigid temperatures:

  1. Try to avoid being out in the cold elements as much as possible, and layer up for when you have to be outside. Northwest Ohio is a very flat part of the state and has little wind blocks, which can cause windchill temperatures to be extremely low.
  2. Take breaks, we know that you are under time constraints, but by going inside periodically you will give your body a chance to warm up. Good ways to warm up include drinking a warm beverage and a eating a warm, high-calorie meal.
  3. Wearing three layers of clothing is another good way to keep warm. OSHA recommends wearing a base layer against your skin, then a thermal layer to keep warm, and a water and windproof layer on top.  
  4. Make sure to watch for hypothermia, frostbite and trench foot.

To research more on how to stay safe in cold conditions visit the OSHA winter weather guide.