Cold weather and frigid temperatures bring an array of unique health & safety hazards. Slick walkways cause slips and falls, head and back injuries and broken bones.

But cold weather also brings other, less obvious problems. Cold air is deceiving because it reduces thirst sensation, and people do not tend to drink as much as they should, which leads to chronic dehydration.

This short training video discusses this hidden cold weather hazard, its dangers, and how to protect yourself.

Even if working indoors, the cold weather outside reduces the moisture content in the air, causing indoor air to have less humidity. Low humidity is friendly to germs and viruses, paving the way for the flu and colds, especially for those who are dehydrated.

A good rule of thumb is to drink half your weight in fluid ounces every day, more if you are working hard or exercising.

No matter what business you are in - manufacturing, hospital, nursing, warehouse - you must guard against cold weather dehydration.