Cold-related injuries can be costly to a business, costly to treat, painful, and in severe cases, fatal. It is an employer’s responsibility to develop a written cold-stress prevention program that provides workers with the knowledge to work safely in cold temperatures.
While a given prevention program will need to be tailored to your specific workplace, use these basics to get you started. Following are elements of cold safety to include in your program:
The Right Gear
Multiple layers of loose clothing create an insulating effect. Avoid tight clothing as it inhibits circulation. Just remember, clothing that is too bulky may restrict movement and become a hazard of its own.
Choose boots that are both insulated and waterproof. Cold environments where snow and/or ice is involved will require footgear that provides traction to protect against slipping and tripping.
The head, hands, and feet lose heat rapidly. Wear a hat, gloves, and layered socks.
Additional protective gear may be necessary depending on weather conditions and work performed. Consider full face protection or waterproof pants, for example.
Moisture carries heat from the body at an accelerated rate (24 times faster, as a matter of fact). If sweating from intense work activity – or any other source of moisture – dampens clothes, workers should change immediately. Always carry a change of dry clothes onsite.
Controls
During breaks, move into a warm location. Time spent exposed to cold temperatures between breaks should be limited.
When possible, schedule all work that isn’t urgent to be done during the warmest times of the day when the sun is high and wind conditions are calmer.
It’s important workers are scheduled in teams of at least two. The buddy system allows workers to monitor each other’s conditions and behaviors, watching for signs of cold stress and taking appropriate action when necessary. Appropriate action would include escorting the affected worker to a heated area, performing first aid (or dialing emergency medical assistance), and contacting management.
Working in cold weather depletes the body’s resources more quickly than normal. Taking frequent breaks will help worker’s avoid fatigue, and eating foods high in calories and carbohydrates will contribute to energy resources. Stay hydrated, but avoid caffeine and alcohol. Consider providing employees warm beverages.
Having radiant heaters in place may help workers stay warm while on the job, but beware of the hazards of carbon monoxide — never run heaters, generators, or other carbon monoxide-generating equipment in an enclosed area.
When possible, use engineering controls to alter the worksite appropriately. Erect wind guards and insulate any exposed metal designed for worker contact.
Training and Knowledge
Being properly trained in the characteristics and symptoms of cold-related injuries is very important. It helps workers recognize changes in their own body, and coworkers. Training should include knowledge of cold-related injuries, what their symptoms are, and applicable first aid. The most common cold-related health concerns are hypothermia, frostbite, and trench foot.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when the body’s core temperature drops to approximately 95°F (normal temperature is 98.6°F). It is a result of body heat being depleted faster than it is generated, and is a very serious condition. Hypothermia can have long-lasting health implications, and if left untreated, may result in death.
One of the most disconcerting hazards of hypothermia is it affects the brain, often causing the victim to be unable to think clearly. As a result, a worker may not be entirely aware it’s happening (bringing us back to the importance of the buddy system).
The symptoms of hypothermia evolve over time. In its early stages, victims may shiver, show fatigue, be confused or disoriented, and have a loss of coordination. Later on, shivering will cease. Skin may become a pale blue color and their pulse and breath will slow. At this point, loss of consciousness is possible.
If someone is showing symptoms of hypothermia, notify the nearest supervisor and contact medical assistance. Move the victim to a warm area. Remove any wet clothing and warm them gradually — do not try to shock their body temperature up, as that can cause additional damage. Wrap them in dry layers of blankets and use an electric blanket or skin-to-skin contact. If they are conscious, give them warm beverages. If they have fallen unconscious and have no pulse, perform CPR until medical professionals arrive.
Frostbite
Frostbite is the result of skin losing moisture and freezing. Blood vessels are constricted and damaged, and in severe cases, amputation of the affected area is required. The average temperatures at which frostbite occurs are under 30°F, but keep in mind that wind chill may be a factor.
This affliction favors the extremities, such as the ears, face (nose, lips), fingers, and toes where body heat is lost first. Early symptoms often include a waxy appearance on the affected tissue. Numbness or sharp prickling sensations are also common, although pain is not always prevalent. Later symptoms are hardness of the tissue and blistering, at which case the frostbite has become a severe medical emergency.
If a worker has frostbite, take them to a warm area and contact medical assistance. You may wrap the affected tissue in a warm cloth, or immerse it in warm water (maximum 105°F). Two things to remember while waiting for medical response: do not attempt to warm the tissue if there is a chance that it will get cool again, and do not rub the area to warm it. Both cases can cause severe tissue damage.
Trench Foot
Trench foot is often considered a less severe form of frostbite, caused when feet are immersed in cold water for extended periods of time. While its severity may be less, prolonged immersion and lack of treatment may, like frostbite, lead to amputation. Trench foot may occur at water temperatures as high as 50°F.
Symptoms may include itching, numbness, tickling, swelling, and discoloration (red, blue, or black, depending on the severity).
Move trench foot victims to a warm location and contact medical assistance. Immerse the foot in warm water and then wrap it in dry cloth or bandages.