Employers Helping to Prevent Cold Stress

OSHA does not have a specific set of standards in regards to working in cold environments. BUT employers have the responsibility to provide their workers with a place of employment that is free of recognized hazards, including cold stress, which can cause death or serious injury as per (Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970).

According to OSHA employers should train their workers on the hazards of the job and train them on the correct safety measures to help protect the workers’ safety and health. Some of the guidelines OSHA expects employers to follow include: Employers should train workers on how to recognize cold stress illness & injuries and how to apply first aid treatment. Worker should be trained on the appropriate engineering control, personal protective equipment, and work practices to reduce the risks of cold stress. Employers should provide engineering controls, such as radiant heaters and work areas that are shielded from drafts and/or wind. Employers should use safe work practices to help prevent illness & injuries caused by cold weather. Dehydration is still a risk factor in cold weather, warm sweetened liquids should be provided to workers to keep them warm and hydrated. If possible heavy work should be scheduled in the warmest part of the day. Breaks should be offered to workers in warm areas. Safety measures like these should be incorporated into relevant health and safety plans for the workplace.

Always Dress Appropriately for the Weather

• Wear at least three layers of loose fitting clothing. Layering provides better insulation. Do not wear tight fitting clothing
• An inner layer of wool, silk or synthetic to keep moisture away from the body.
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• A middle layer of wool or synthetic to provide insulation even when wet.
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• An outer wind and rain protection layer that allows some ventilation to prevent overheating.
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• Wear a hat or hood to help keep your whole body warmer. Hats reduce the amount of body heat that escapes from your head.
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• Use a knit mask to cover the face and mouth (if needed).
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• Use insulated gloves to protect the hands (water resistant if necessary).
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• Wear insulated and waterproof boots (or other footwear).

Safety Tips for Workers in Cold Environments

• 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 because moisture or dampness, e.g. from sweating, can increase the rate of heat loss from the body.
• Keep extra clothing (including underwear) handy in case you get wet and 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.

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Warning to Outdoor Workers!

If your job requires you to work outdoors in cold environments, you may be at the risk of cold stress. Cold stress can be encountered in a number of different work environments if the proper steps are not taken to prevent it. Read on to learn more about the dangers OSHA warns workers about cold stress and how it can affect your health & safety, as well as steps you can take to prevent cold stress.

Is it Too Cold?

Weather described as “Extreme Cold” can vary across different areas of the country. But in every case, even areas exposed to cold weather for most of the year, workers must take the proper steps to acclimate and combat the cold. Cold temperatures forces the body to work harder to keep itself warm. When wind is thrown into the mix, Wind Chill is another factor workers must take into consideration while working in cold environments. Wind Chill is a combination of air temperature and wind speed, if the air temperature is 40°F and the wind speed is 35 mph, the exposed skin on your body will feel the effects as if the temperature was 28°F.

Cold stress begins to occur when the skin temperature drops and the internal core body temperature begins to go below normal levels. Cold stress can lead to serious health problem, tissue damage, and even death in certain situations. When your body is exposed to cold environments, the body will begin to shift blood flow from the extremities (hands, feet, arms & legs) and the outer skin to the core (chest & abdomen). Once this shifts begins to occur, the exposed skin and extremities will begin to cool rapidly and increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. If  you work in wet environments, trench foot is a possible looming problem you will have to look out for.

Risk Factors Contributing to Cold Stress According to OSHA

• Wetness/dampness, dressing improperly, and exhaustion
• Predisposing health conditions such as hypertension, hypothyroidism, and diabetes
• Poor physical conditioning

Most Common Cold Induced Illnesses & Injuries

Hypothermia – When the normal body temperature 98.6°F, drops below 95°F and body heat is lost faster than it can be replaced. Typically hypothermia occurs in Extreme Cold temperature, but hypothermia can also occur at cool temperatures (above 40°F) when a person is chilled from rain, sweat, or submersed in cold water.

Frostbite – As the temperature drops, frostbite can occur and cause an injury to the body that is caused by freezing of the skin and underlying tissues. Frostbite is most likely to affect the exterminates, particularly feet & hands. In severe cases, amputation my be required.

Trench Foot – As refereed to immersion foot, is cause by prolonged exposure to cold and wet environments. Trench foot can occur in both cool and cold conditions. Non-freezing injuries can occur at temperatures as high as 60°F because wet feet lose heat 25X faster than dry feet. The body tries to prevent heat loss by constricting the blood vessels, shutting down circulation to the feet. When this happens, skin tissue begins to die due to the lack of oxygen & nutrients and the buildup of toxic products.

Combating Cold Stress

Check back soon for our next blog post about the proper steps to combat cold stress while working in cold environments.