Beat the Cold: Staying Safe While Working Winter Routes

While summer heat gets plenty of attention, winter brings its own serious safety challenges for pest control professionals especially those working in cold-weather climates. Snow, ice, reduced daylight, and hazardous driving conditions all increase the risk of injuries and accidents on the job. As temperatures drop, awareness and preparation become critical to keeping technicians safe and operations running smoothly.

Just as with heat exposure, cold-related hazards can be managed with proper planning, training, and smart work practices.

Winter Weather Hazards to Watch

Slips, Trips, and Falls - Icy sidewalks, snow-covered steps, frozen driveways, and wet entryways create prime conditions for slips and falls. These incidents remain one of the leading causes of workplace injuries during winter months and can result in sprains, fractures, or worse.

Driving in Snow, Ice, and Early Darkness - Winter driving increases exposure to vehicle accidents due to slick roads, limited visibility, and longer stopping distances. Add early sunsets and unpredictable weather, and technicians may find themselves navigating challenging conditions during both morning and evening routes.

Cold Stress and Exposure - Extended exposure to cold temperatures can lead to cold stress, numbness, reduced dexterity, and in extreme cases, frostbite or hypothermia. Even moderate cold can impair judgment and slow reaction time factors that raise the risk of injury.

How to Stay Safe in Cold Weather - Pest control professionals can reduce winter risks by focusing on footwear, driving habits, clothing, and job-site awareness.

Slips and Falls Prevention

Wear Proper Footwear

• Choose boots with slip-resistant soles designed for icy conditions.
• Use traction aids or cleats when working on snow- or ice-covered surfaces.
• Replace worn footwear before winter conditions worsen.

Watch Your Step

• Take shorter steps and walk slowly on icy surfaces.
• Use handrails whenever available.
• Test surfaces before stepping fully, especially on shaded or untreated areas.

Maintain Work Areas

• Encourage customers to clear snow and ice from entryways when possible.
• Keep salt or ice melt in service vehicles for emergency use.

Safe Winter Driving

Prepare Your Vehicle

• Ensure tires are properly inflated and rated for winter conditions.
• Check brakes, windshield wipers, defrosters, and lights regularly.
• Keep an emergency kit in each vehicle, including blankets, flashlight, and first-aid supplies.

Adjust Driving Habits

• Slow down and increase following distance.
• Avoid sudden braking or sharp turns on icy roads.
• Be extra cautious at bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas that freeze first.

Plan for Early Darkness

• Schedule routes to minimize night driving when possible.
• Wear high-visibility clothing when working near roadways.
• Stay alert for pedestrians and other vehicles with limited visibility.

Cold Exposure Protection

Dress in Layers

• Wear moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and wind-resistant outer layers.
• Protect hands, ears, and face with gloves, hats, and face coverings.
• Keep spare dry clothing in vehicles.

Take Warming Breaks

• Schedule regular breaks to warm up indoors or in vehicles.
• Watch for signs of cold stress such as shivering, numbness, or confusion.

PestSure – Your Partner in Safety

Founded in 1980, PestSure is the only insurance and risk management provider that is 100 percent dedicated to the pest management industry. It offers industry professionals a full suite of insurance, risk management, and safety training and education offerings.

PestSure provides insurance, safety, and risk management consulting to pest management companies representing $2 billion in revenue, $400 million in payroll, and more than 13,000 service vehicles. The program is administered by Alliant Insurance Services.

To learn more, call 888.984.3813 or visit our contact page.