Workers who are exposed to cold working environments may be at risk of cold stress. Extremely cold or wet weather is a dangerous situation that can cause occupational illness and injuries such as hypothermia. Hypothermia is a condition in which the body uses up its stored energy and can no longer produce heat. Prolonged exposure to cold temperature can result in frostbite, trench foot, and chilblains as well.
Anyone working in a cold environment may be at risk of cold stress. Some workers may be required to work outdoors in cold environments and for extended periods. For example: Snow cleanup crews, sanitation workers, police officers, and emergency response and recovery personnel, such as firefighters and emergency medical technicians.
When the body is unable to warm itself, cold related stress may occur. Cold stress occurs by driving down the skin temperature and eventually the internal body temperature (core temperature). Over time, the body will begin to shift blood flow from extremities (hands, feet, arms, and legs) and outer skin to the core areas (chest and abdomen). This may lead to serious health problems, and may cause tissue damage, and possibly death.
Hypothermia occurs when body temperature falls below 98.6 to around 95 degrees. Without early recognition and active care, hypothermia can be deadly. Hypothermia may cause the following symptoms to occur:
- Uncontrollable shivering
- Memory lapses
- Drowsiness
- Slow speech
- Frequent stumbling
- Exhaustion
Here are some steps to take when someone has (or may have) hypothermia:
- Gently move the victim to a warmer place (when possible)
- Remove wet clothing
- Cover the victim with something dry such as clothing and blankets
- Contact emergency medical services
Frostbite is the next most common cold stress induced illness. Frostbite is the freezing of body parts exposed to the cold. The severity of frostbite will depend on the temperature and length of exposure, but can cause the loss of fingers, toes, feet and/or legs. Watch out for numbness or lack of feeling in limbs, fingers, or toes. The skin color will start to turn red. If skin starts to blacken, that means the skin is dying. Blisters occur in severe cases. Early recognition is the best defense. Minor frostbite can be treated by simply re-warming the skin.
A few more tips to keep in mind when dealing with frostbite:
- Remove any jewelry from the affected area
- Place clean pads between frostbitten fingers and toes
- Wrap the affected area with a clean towel or pad
- Warm the area gently by soaking in lukewarm water (no hotter than 105 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Keep area in water until it turns red and feels warm
Trench foot is another cold stress hazard. While not as common as frostbite, this is still something to watch out for. Trench foot is caused by having feet immersed in cold water at temperatures above freezing for long periods of time. It is similar to frostbite but considered less severe. Symptoms usually consist of tingling, itching or burning sensation. Blisters may also be present.
If you suspect trench foot, take the following steps:
- Thoroughly clean and dry feet
- Put on clean, dry socks daily
- Treat the affected area by applying a warm pack, or by soaking in warm water (102 to 110 degrees) for 5 minutes.
For employers, there are steps that can be taken as well. Assess the work environment. What type of engineering controls can be implemented? Can heaters be installed? Is the job site indoors or outdoors? What kind of PPE can be provided? Can work areas be shielded from wind? Can insulation be installed?
In addition to engineering controls, administrative controls should be assessed as well.
Below are examples of administrative controls.
- Postpone outdoor work if temperatures are less than 40 degrees and there is rain
- Conduct outdoor operations during the middle of the day to take advantage of solar heat load
- Provide a heated space for workers to take breaks
- Ensure workers stay adequately hydrated (This may not sound impactful, but it is.)
- Workers should use a buddy system in cold environments to ensure crew members are monitored for signs and symptoms of cold-related illness
- Hold pre-job meetings to discuss working conditions
When selecting clothing to wear in cold environments, the clothing should be warm and practical. The type of fabric makes a difference as well. For example, cotton loses its insulation value when it becomes wet. Wool, silk and most synthetics, on the other hand, retain their insulation even when wet.
Wear at least three layers of clothing:
- An inner layer of wool, silk or synthetic to wick moisture away from the body
- A middle layer of wool or synthetic to provide insulation even when wet
- An outer wind and rain protection layer that allows some ventilation to prevent overheating
Keep in mind when choosing PPE Clothing:
- Wear a hat or hood. Up to 40% of body heat can be lost when the head is left exposed
- Wear insulated boots or footwear
- Keep a change of dry clothing available in case work clothes become wet
- Don’t wear tight clothing as the outer layer, because loose clothing allows better ventilation.
- Do not underestimate the wetting effects of perspiration; wicking and venting of the body’s sweat and heat are often more important than protecting from rain or snow
- Regular inspection of cold weather supplies (e.g., hand warmers, jackets, shovels, etc.) should be carried out to ensure that supplies are serviceable and always in stock
If you need help developing a Cold Stress Safety Program including a written policy and a training program, give us a call. Check out our online training options that include cold stress safety. We are here to help and answer any questions you might have.
Call us at 866-627-3850 or email us at sales@jjsafeyllc.com to learn more.