Cold weather safety

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# Climate Change: Extreme Weather - Cold (cont.) ## Elimination (cont.) - Do not allow driving or travelling during extreme winter events - Have workers perform their work in a heat-controlled environment - Reschedule work performed outdoors when temperatures are milder ## Engineering Controls - Improve heating in work areas* - Provide heated shelters for rest and breaks* - Using tools and equipment that are designed so they can be safely operated while wearing gloves or other winter clothing - Maintain work vehicles and have snow tires and functioning heaters *Do not use unvented portable gas heaters in indoor settings as it can lead to harmful levels of carbon monoxide and other harmful combustion products and is a fire hazard. ## Administrative controls - Use weather surveillance procedures to identify upcoming cold events and to detect the sudden onset of cold events - Have emergency plans and procedures in place to respond to extreme cold events - Train workers on: - how to identify health effects of cold stress in themselves and others, how to respond, and first-aid procedures - what to do in the event of an emergency caused by extreme cold and winter weather - the pace of work to avoid overheating (sweating) and then cooling - appropriate use of winter weather clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) for working in the cold ## Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Provide workers with the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing for working in the cold. Take into account the temperature, weather conditions (e.g., snow, ice, wind speed, wind chill), the level and duration of the activity being performed, and the job design. Also, make sure workers are equipped with emergency supplies and equipment, especially if they are offsite or are travelling. Climate Change: Extreme Weather - Cold CCOHS

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Construction Cold Environments Toolbox Talk NIOSH CPWR [● Being in freezing or cold temperatures for a long time can result in health problems such as trench foot, frostbite, and hypothermia (below-normal body temperature). Danger signs include uncontrolled shivering, slurred speech, clumsiness, fatigue, and confusion. ## Ron's Story Ron works in construction at a local site during the winter. One day he left his gloves and hat at home. As the day went on, he became so cold that he began to shiver. Soon he was having trouble holding his tools and doing his work. Ron was suffering from hypothermia. - What caused this incident? - How could this have been prevented? *Have you ever had problems from working in the cold, or do you know someone who has? If so, what happened? ## Remember This • Wear clothes meant for cold, wet, and windy conditions. Dress in loose-fitting layers to adapt to changing temperatures. Wear a hat, socks, shoes, gloves, and outerwear that will keep you dry. • Work in pairs so that you and your coworker can spot danger signs in each other. • Drink plenty of warm, sweet beverages (sugar water, sports drinks), but avoid caffeine (in coffee, tea, sodas, or hot chocolate) and alcohol. • Take breaks often, in a heated area, to warm up. • Get medical help right away if you or another worker has symptoms of hypothermia: - Shivering - Fatigue - Loss of coordination - Confusion or disorientation • Know that you are at higher risk if you take certain medications, are in poor physical condition, or suffer from illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease. ## How can we stay safe today? What will we do at the worksite to prevent illnesses and injuries in cold environments? CD C National Insund Health NIOSH CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION CPWR [● THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING

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CCOHS CCHST Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail Climate Change # Climate Change: Extreme Weather - Cold ## On this page What are the impacts on worker health and safety? How can a workplace plan for extreme cold? What control measures can the employer put in place? ## Are we experiencing changes in cold weather patterns? Climate change has led to an increase in extreme and variable weather. Although it is expected that Canadian winters, on average, will have milder temperatures in the future, extreme cold events are still predicted to occur. Potential impacts of the warming of the Arctic may include extremely cold polar air travelling further south, leading to more extreme cold events in Canada. It is also expected that all parts of Canada will see an increase in winter precipitation. ## What are the impacts on worker health and safety? ## Cold The effects of extreme cold events include an increased risk of workers experiencing significant health issues such as hypothermia, frostbite, windburn, and heart and respiratory issues. Exposure to cold temperatures can also increase the risk of Raynaud's syndrome and musculoskeletal disorders. For more information, please see our OSH Answers document on Cold Environments - Health Effects and First Aid. ## Snow accumulation, ice, high winds, and melting snow Snow accumulation, ice events, high winds, and melting snow can have impacts on worker health and safety, including: Climate Change: Extreme Weather - Cold CCOHS

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NIOSH Fast Facts ## Protecting Yourself from Cold Stress Workers who are exposed to extreme cold or work in cold 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, frostbite, trench foot, and chilblains. ## Hypothermia A condition in which the body uses up its stored energy and can no longer produce heat. Often occurs after prolonged exposure to cold temperature. ## Early symptoms ■ Shivering ■ Fatigue ■Loss of coordination ■ Confusion and disorientation ## First Aid ## Late symptoms ■ No shivering ■ Blue skin ■ Dilated pupils - Slowed pulse and breathing - Loss of consciousness - Request immediate medical assistance. ■ Move the victim into a warm room or shelter. ■Remove wet clothing. ■ Warm the center of their body first chest, neck, head, and groin-using an electric blanket; or use skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, or towels. ■ If conscious, warm beverages may help increase the body temperature. Do not give alcohol. ■ Once temperature has increased keep them dry and wrapped in a warm blanket, including the head and neck. ■ If no pulse, begin CPR. ## Frostbite An injury to the body that is caused by freezing, which most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes. ## Symptoms ■ Reduced blood flow to hands and feet ■ Numbness ## First Aid ■ Aching - Tingling or stinging ■Bluish or pale, waxy skin ■ Get into a warm room as soon as possible. ■ Unless necessary, do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes. ■ Immerse the affected area in warm (not hot) water, or warm the affected area using body heat. Do not use a heating pad, fireplace, or radiator for warming. ■ Do not massage the frostbitten area; doing so may cause more damage.

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WORK SAFE KENTUCKY Free safety resources provided by KEMI HOME SAFETY RESOURCES SAFETY TRAINING SAFETY BLOG ABOUT KEMI CONTACT US O # Preventing Hypothermia ## Print a Sign-In Sheet | Spanish Version Hypothermia occurs when your body temperature drops below normal. Be aware of these symptoms: • Uncontrollable shivering. • Drowsiness. - Slurred speech. • Weakness. • Disorientation. • Unconsciousness. How to protect yourself from hypothermia: • Dress in layers so you can adjust what you're wearing to the temperature. • In cold weather, wear silk, polypropylene, or lightweight wool next to your skin and wool layers over your undergarments. • For outdoor activities, wear outer garments of wind and water-resistant fabrics, such as nylon. • Always wear a hat, gloves, and a scarf in cold weather. Hypothermia can happen even in warm weather if you are cold and wet too long: • Always take along a dry set of clothing when you're working (or playing) outdoors. • Always pack rain gear, no matter what the forecast. • Wear waterproof boots in damp or snowy weather. Hypothermia can sneak up on you, so always use the buddy system when working outdoors in cold weather and check each other for signs of hypothermia. If you are out alone, make sure you let someone know where you'll be and when you expect to return. If hypothermia does strike, get indoors soon as possible. Change into warm, dry clothes and sip warm, nonalcoholic drinks. Be sure to seek medical attention. KEMI does not assume liability for the content of information contained herein. Safety and health remain your responsibility. This information is to be used for informational purposes only and not intended to be exhaustive or a substitute for proper training, supervision, or manufacturers' instructions/recommendations. KEMI, by publication of this information, does not assume liability for damage or injury arising from reliance upon it. Compliance with this information is not a guarantee or warran…

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# Climate Change: Extreme Weather - Cold (cont.) ## How can a workplace plan for extreme cold? (cont.) It is important to note that emergency service providers, including paramedics and firefighters, may need more time to respond due to the weather and the increased demand for their services in the community. If a worker requires immediate medical attention (e.g., due to hypothermia, a slip, trip, or fall, or a motor vehicle collision), emergency services may be delayed or unable to respond in time. This competing demand for services further emphasizes the importance for workplaces to have preventative measures in place. Additional circumstances that can increase the risk of an injury, illness, or incident during extreme cold events include: - working outdoors - working in poorly heated areas - performing physically demanding work in cold temperatures - not having access to a heated sheltered area to rest and take breaks - driving vehicles or other equipment outdoors Extreme cold can put everyone at risk, although health risks are greater for: - people with chronic illnesses, such as breathing difficulties or heart conditions - people that are pregnant - young children and older adults ## What control measures can the employer put in place? Prepare for extreme cold and winter weather by developing and implementing a cold stress plan and an emergency response plan. The most effective strategies to protect workers are to implement measures that eliminate or minimize a worker's exposure to extreme cold and winter weather. The hierarchy of controls can be used to select the most appropriate control measures. The hierarchy of controls is a step-by-step approach to eliminating or reducing the risk of workplace hazards. The hierarchy of controls prioritizes controls from the most effective level of protection to the least effective level of protection: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipm…

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# Are there exposure limits for working in cold environments when outdoors? In Canada, the legislation from some jurisdictions provide a range of acceptable temperatures for specific circumstances. In other cases, occupational health and safety jurisdictions use the Threshold Limit Values® for cold stress as published by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). Some Canadian jurisdictions have adopted these TLVs® as occupational exposure limits and others use them as guidelines. Where there are no maximum/minimum exposure limits for cold working environments, there are guidelines that can be used to conduct work/task assessments, create safe work plans, and monitor conditions to protect the health and safety of workers who may be exposed to cold temperatures. Where there are differences between the recommendations made by various organizations (and where there are no established limits or guidelines from your jurisdiction), employers are encouraged to choose a system that best provides protection for their workforce. For example, ACGIH (2022) suggests a work-warming regimen when work is done continuously in the cold when the wind chill temperature is at or below -7°C (19.4°F), heated warming shelters (tents, cabins, rest rooms, etc) should be made available nearby. Workers should be encouraged to use these shelters, depending on the severity of the exposure. If signs of cold stress are noticed, return to the shelter immediately. For work at or below - -12°C (10.4°F), work should include: - constant observation (supervisor or buddy system), - adjusting the pace or rate of work so that it is not too high and cause heavy sweating that will result in wet clothing - time for new employees to become accustomed to the conditions - adjusted to include the weight and bulkiness of the clothing when estimating work performance and weights to be lifted by the worker - arranged in such a way that sitting and standing for long periods is mini…