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Fastenal Safety SpecialistsLooking for help protecting your employees from the cold?
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Be sure workers in extreme conditions take frequent breaks in warm,dry shelters to allow their bodies to warm up.
Gradually increase workloads and allow more frequent breaksfor workers that are new to the cold or have been away from workto adapt to working in the cold. This is also known as acclimatization.
Schedule work for the warmest part of the day.
Encourage workers to wear proper clothing for cold, wet and windyconditions, including layers that can be adjusted for changing conditions.
Train workers about cold-induced illnesses and injuries. Be sureyou and your workers understand how to recognize the symptoms ofvarious cold illnesses and injuries
FAST Guide to Cold Illness Protection
Sources:
Between 2003 and 2013 13,419 peopledied from hypothermia and other
cold weather related illnesses.
Tips for Cold Illness Prevention
Employer Responsibilities
How To Help A Worker That Is Suffering From Hypothermia
Symptoms of Cold Illness
Dress for the WeatherWear several layers of loose fitting clothing for insulation. Consider different fabrics asthey have different insulating qualities. Wearing a hat prevents losing up to 40% of your body heat.
Stay Dry
Connect with a partner so you can keep an eye on each other for any signs of cold related illness. Learn the signs and symptoms and be prepared to call for help if needed.
Use the Buddy System
Keep yourself hydrated by drinking warm, sweetened liquids such as decaffeinatedcoffees and teas or warm sugar water. Stay away from any drinks containing alcohol.
Moisture and dampness from sweat or outside sources can significantly increase heat loss from the body. Some materials, such as cotton, also lose their insulating properties when wet.
Drink the Right Fluids
Hypothermia can occur after only20 to 30 minutes when your body
temperature falls below 95°F (35°C).
ChilblainsSymptoms:
Ulceration of skin
Redness Inflammation
BlisteringItching
Trench Foot or Immersion FootSymptoms:
Skin redness
Numbness
FrostbiteSymptoms:
NumbnessTingling or stinging
HypothermiaEarly Symptoms:
Uncontrollable shivering
In 2014 34,860 workplace fallswere attributed to slipping
on ice, sleet or snow.
Working in cold weather could be dangerous to the untrained, and to people without adequate winter clothing. For a well informed and
prepared worker, winter work can be enjoyable and fulfilling. To cope with winter, stay active, dress warmly and follow
safety rules.
The Dangers of Cold
Hypothermia and frostbite are two major health hazards associatedwith working in cold winter conditions. Knowing the symptomsand how to treat a worker suffering from a cold illness is yourfirst line of defense in keeping you and your employees safe.
Confusion Fatigue Loss of coordination
Hypothermia is a life threatening condition. Call 911 immediately.
Get the victim to a warm room or shelter away from the cold and wind.
Warm the center of their body first. Concentrate on the chest, neck, head and groin. Here are some examples of ways to help the victim warm up:
Use skin to skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, towels or sheets.
If available, cover the person with an electric blanket.
Create a vapor barrier over the blankets using a tarp or garbage bag.
Place warm bottles or hot packs in armpits, sides of chest and groin.
Give the victim warm beverages. Do not try to give beverages to an unconscious person.
After their body temperature has increased, keep the person wrapped in a warm, dry blanket.
If emergency personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.
95°
http://www.nsc.org/NSCDocuments_Advocacy/Fact%20Sheets/Surviving-the-Cold-Weather.pdf
https://www.osha.gov/dts/weather/winter_weather/windchill.html
Leg cramps
Swelling
Tingling pain Blisters or ulcers
Late/Severe Symptoms:
No shivering Blue/gray skin Dilated pupilsSlow pulse & breathingUnconsciousness
Reduced blood flow to hands and feet
Aching Blush or pail, waxy skin
Hard or blistering skin
Remove any wet clothing.
Provide warm, sweetened beverages.
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/coldstress/coldrelatedillnesses.html
