KYSAFE Warns Employers of Carbon Monoxide Hazards as Cold Weather Increases Exposure Risks
With winter temperatures driving more indoor equipment use, KYSAFE is urging Kentucky employers to recognize and prevent carbon monoxide dangers by improving ventilation, avoiding fuel-burning tools indoors and using reliable detection systems.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- Dec 09, 2025
As bitter cold temperatures settle into the commonwealth, KYSAFE is reminding Kentucky workers and employers to be aware of carbon monoxide exposure risks in the workplace.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, toxic gas that can cause headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting or chest tightness during prolonged exposure. Severe overexposure can lead to neurological damage, coma and even death.
Kentucky employers have a duty to protect workers from recognized workplace hazards including carbon monoxide exposure. Carbon monoxide is produced when fuel combusts in equipment such as powered tools, compressors, pumps, welding equipment, furnaces, forklifts and motorized vehicles. Anyone exposed to fuel-burning equipment indoors or in semi-enclosed spaces without proper ventilation may be at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
To reduce the risk of carbon monoxide exposure in the workplace, employers should install effective ventilation systems, avoid the use of fuel-burning equipment and vehicles indoors, and use carbon monoxide detectors with alarms where the hazard may exist.
You can learn more about the carbon monoxide exposure and get additional prevention and protection tips from a free recorded webinar available from KYSAFE. Employers can also take advantage of free air monitoring services available from KYSAFE that can help evaluate employee exposure. Learn more on the KYSAFE website.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration also has a handy fact sheet and quick reference card on carbon monoxide danger available online.
KYSAFE offers free and confidential consultation and training services for employers who wish to proactively identify and address workplace safety and health hazards, including free air monitoring. The program also builds alliances with Kentucky employers to promote worker safety through high-quality education and technical assistance.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco is the Content Editor for OH&S.