Getting ready for Cold Weather Work

Getting Ready for Cold Weather Work

Now that a long hot summer is behind us we are faced with the opposite extreme, a long cold winter. Cold stress occurs by driving down the skin temperature and eventually the internal body temperature (core temperature). This may lead to serious health problems, and may cause tissue damage, and possibly death. There are dangers to workers who are required to work in these conditions. These cold temperature dangers include:

• Hypothermia
• Frostbite
• Trench Foot

Hypothermia occurs when body heat is lost faster than it can be replaced and the normal body temperature (98.6°F) drops to less than 95°F.  Hypothermia usually occurs at very cold temperatures, but can occur even at cool temperatures (above 40°F), if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or submersion in cold water.

Frostbite is an injury caused by freezing of the skin and underlying tissues. The lower the temperature, the more quickly frostbite will occur. Frostbite typically affects the extremities, particularly the feet and hands. Amputation may be required in severe cases.

Trench Foot, or immersion foot, is caused by prolonged exposure to wet, cold temperatures. It can occur at temperatures as high as 60°F if the feet are constantly wet. Non-freezing injury occurs because wet feet lose heat 25 times faster than dry feet. To prevent heat loss, the body constricts blood vessels to shut down circulation in the feet. The skin tissue begins to die because of lack of oxygen and nutrients, resulting in a buildup of toxic products.

Safety Tips for Workers

• Your employer should ensure that you know the symptoms of cold stress.
• Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers.
• Dress properly for the cold.
• Stay dry in the cold - moisture or dampness, e.g. from sweating, increases the rate of heat loss from the body.
•  Keep extra clothing (including underwear) handy in case you need to change.
•  Drink warm sweetened fluids (no alcohol).
•  Use proper engineering controls, safe work practices, and personal protective equipment (PPE) provided by your employer.

Employers are responsible for providing employees with work and workplaces free from recognized hazards, including cold stress, which cause or are likely to cause death or serious bodily harm. Employers should train workers on the hazards of the job and safety measures, e.g. engineering controls, personal protective equipment and safe work practices that will protect their health and safety.

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