The recent months of cold weather haven't been fun for many western Pennsylvania residents but people who have to work outside are most eagerly awaiting the return of spring.

"It's been tough," said Rich McCullough, a foreman for David Construction in Hermitage. His crew has been laying new water lines in Sharon for Consumers Water of Pennsylvania. He said there has only been about one day a week for the past month when they could work.

If the temperature is below 15 degrees crews can't work, McCullough said. He said they're almost finished with the lines despite the inclement weather.

The average temperature in January was 18 degrees, and there were 24 days below freezing, according to Accuweather. In February the average temperature was 21.9 degrees and 21 days were below freezing.

Working in the cold isn't so bad if the sun is out like it was Thursday, McCullough said. "We dress for it. You've just got to keep moving," he said.

"It's been cold," said Bob Martell, a crossing guard in Sharon. Martell said he stands outside for about three hours a day. "That's long enough in the cold," he said.

Though he dresses warmly, Martell said it's hard to keep his hands and feet warm enough.

Martell said he doesn't hear the kids walking to school complaining too much because they don't spend much time outside.

In South Pymatuning Township, the weather has lowered morale somewhat for the road crews.

"For the most part it's made us a little more grumpy," said township Supervisor Mike Nashtock, public works director for the township.

But a few rays of sunshine can go a long way.

"With the sunshine the last couple of days, it's really made a difference," he said. "We're all really looking forward to spring."

The frequent snowfalls have meant a lot of overtime for the road crews, and sometimes mishaps not even related to plowing cause some grief.

"It seems like every time the trucks go out, something breaks on them," Nashtock said.

He added that the mild winters for the past ten years since the blizzard of 1993 have spoiled everyone.

"This is more of a traditional winter," he said. "We've been spoiled by lighter snowfall and we forgot how these kinds of winters can be on men and equipment."

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers park rangers at the Shenango Lake have to spend a lot of time outside in the frigid weather, but they're dressed for it.

"Fortunately our uniforms are developed to provide better winter protection," said Pete O'Connell, resource manager at Shenango Lake. The rangers all wear hats, because 70 percent of body heat is lost through the head, and Gortex outerwear to keep the icy wind away. O'Connell said good foot protection is also important.

"In order to work outside, you need to be comfortable," he said.

The rangers also have winter safety glasses to reduce glare when the sun shines on the white snow. Unfortunately, "We haven't used them much," O'Connell said.

"They pretty much carry on business as usual the best they can," he said. "The only thing that limits our ability is road conditions. We try to cut back on unnecessary driving in those conditions."

The rangers pay special attention to outdoor safety during the winter, including treating frostbite and what to do if there's an accident on the lake.

"There are certain things you can't do (in the winter)," O'Connell said. "But provided you have the right kind of clothing and equipment, you can get out there and perform most functions. I think we've been pretty well prepared."

Broofield fire and emergency workers have their own methods for keeping warm. Fortunately this winter there haven't been any major fires that sent the department to face the brutal cold, Fire Chief Keith Barrett said. However, emergency medical technicians are usually answering calls and must be sure both they and patients are bundled up before moving them outside.

The fire department did face chilly weather during a mutual aid call to Vienna for a structure fire. Crews had to use a rotation system, taking turns warming up in a vehicle.

"They'd warm up and we'd send them back out," Barrett said. "The protective gear protects from the weather somewhat, but when it's below 10 degrees with wind blowing at 30 miles per hour a coat's a coat and it's still cold."

There were 22.9 inches of snow in January and 11.5 inches in February, according to Accuweather.