Write a toolbox talk on Cold weather

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# What Are the Hazards of Cold Weather? Cold stress can lead to hypothermia, frostbite. (cont.) BEGIN Working Outdoors INSTRUCTION ZONE ROADWAY SAFETY 7 # What Are the Symptoms? Hypothermia, frostbite have these symptoms. ## Hypothermia • EARLY: Shivering, fatigue, loss of coordination, confusion, and disorientation • LATE: No shivering, blue skin, dilated pupils, slowed pulse and breathing, loss of consciousness, and coma ## Frostbite wwwww - Body reduces blood flow to hands and feet to maintain core temperature - Fingers or toes can freeze - Symptoms include numbness, tingling, aching, and bluish skin - Can cause the tissue to die and force amputation

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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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# What are some health concerns of working in cold temperatures? (cont.) <table><tr><th colspan="4">Wind Chill Hazards and What To Do</th></tr><tr><td>Wind Chill</td><td>Exposure Risk</td><td>Health Concerns</td><td>What to Do</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>winds over 50 km/h, frostbite can occur faster than indicated.)</td><td>Very high risk of hypothermia if outside for long periods without adequate clothing or shelter from wind and cold.</td><td>Cover all exposed skin. Wear a hat, mittens or insulated gloves, a scarf, neck tube or face mask and insulated, waterproof footwear. Stay dry Keep active.</td></tr><tr><td>-48 to -54</td><td>Severe risk: exposed skin can freeze in 2 to 5 minutes (In sustained winds over 50 km/h, frostbite can occur faster than indicated.)</td><td>Severe risk of frostbite: Check face and extremities frequently for numbness or whiteness. Severe risk of hypothermia if outside for long periods without adequate clothing or shelter from wind and cold.</td><td>Be careful. Dress very warmly in layers of clothing, with an outer layer that is wind-resistant. Cover all exposed skin Wear a hat, mittens or insulated gloves, a scarf, neck tube or face mask and insulated, waterproof footwear. Be ready to cut short or cancel outdoor activities. Stay dry. Keep active.</td></tr><tr><td>-55 and colder</td><td>Extreme risk: exposed skin can freeze in less than 2 minutes</td><td>DANGER! Outdoor conditions are hazardous.</td><td>Stay indoors.</td></tr></table> Cold Environments - Control Measures 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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THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF LABOR STANDARDS MASSsafety Works! Workplace Safety is No Accident # Tips To Protect Workers In Cold Environments 30 Working in cold conditions can increase the likelihood of workplace injuries due to reduced dexterity, impaired thought, and a rush to get work done in order to get out of the cold. Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures poses its own risks as well, such as frostbite and hypothermia. In extreme cases, including cold water immersion, exposure can lead to death. It is important to remember that cold related injuries and illnesses can occur in a variety of places and not just outdoors, for instance, in food processing, and other cold in-door environments. Danger signs include clumsy movements, uncontrolled shivering, slurred speech, fatigue, and confused behavior. If these signs are observed, move the person to a warm environment and call for emergency help. ## How to Protect Workers • Recognize environmental and workplace conditions that may be dangerous. • Wet conditions, including heavy sweating, and inability to get dry increase the likelihood of hypothermia dramatically. - While most likely at cold temperatures below 40° F, according to the NIH - National Institution on Aging (nia.nih.gov), it is possible to get hypothermia when temperatures are as high as 60° F. - Learn the signs and symptoms of cold-induced illnesses and injuries, and what to do to help workers. • Train workers about cold-induced illnesses and injuries. • Encourage workers to wear proper clothing for cold, wet, and windy conditions, including layers that can be adjusted to changing conditions. Be sure workers in extreme conditions take frequent short breaks in warm dry shelters to warm up. - Try to schedule work for the warmest part of the day. • - Avoid exhaustion or fatigue because energy is needed to keep muscles warm. • Use the buddy system - work in pairs s…

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# What Is Heat Stroke? Heat stroke can cause hallucinations, death. (cont.) BEGIN Working Outdoors INSTRUCTION ZONE ROADWAY SAFETY 6 # What Are the Hazards of Cold Weather? Cold stress can lead to hypothermia, frostbite. Cold stress is caused by a combination of • Cold/cool temperatures (50° F and less) Wet weather and/or conditions • High winds (40+ MPH) • Inadequate clothing Cold stress is prevented by Warm layers of correct clothing, head cover, warm gloves, wool socks • Keeping dry Breaks in warm areas, drinking hot liquids Keep in good physical shape

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# FROSTBITE ## What happens to the body: Freezing in deep layers of skin and tissue; pale, waxy-white skin color; skin becomes hard and numb; usually affects fingers, hands, toes, feet, ears, and nose. ## What to do: (land temperatures) • Move the person to a warm, dry area. Don't leave the person alone. • Remove wet or tight clothing that may cut off blood flow to the affected area. • Do not rub the affected area because rubbing damages the skin and tissue. - Gently place the affected area in a warm water bath (105°) and monitor the water temperature to slowly warm the tissue. Don't pour warm water directly on the affected area because it will warm the tissue too fast, causing tissue damage. Warming takes 25-40 minutes. • After the affected area has been warmed, it may become puffy and blister. The affected area may have a burning feeling or numbness. When normal feeling, movement, and skin color have returned, the affected area should be dried and wrapped to keep it warm. Note: If there is a chance the affected area may get cold again, do not warm the skin. If the skin is warmed and then becomes cold again, it will cause severe tissue damage. • Seek medical attention as soon as possible. # HYPOTHERMIA - (Medical Emergency) What happens to the body: Normal body temperature (98.6°F/37°C) drops to or below 95°F/35°C; fatigue or drowsiness; uncontrolled shivering; cool, bluish skin; slurred speech; clumsy move- ments; irritable, irrational, or confused behavior. ## What to do: (land temperatures) • Call for emergency help (ambulance or 911). • Move the person to a warm, dry area. Don't leave the person alone. • Remove wet clothing and replace with warm, dry clothing or wrap the person in blankets. • Have the person drink warm, sweet drinks (sugar water or sports-type drinks) if he is alert. Avoid drinks with caffeine (coffee, tea, or hot chocolate) or alcohol. - Have the person move his arms and legs to create muscle heat. If he is unable to do this,…

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# Winter hazards ## Explain dangers The cold temperatures and icy conditions that are often a part of Canadian winters can cause hazards at the workplace. These hazards include: Cold stress-Exposure to the cold can lead to frostbite and hypothermia. Hypothermia-The body can no longer maintain its core temperature, causing persistent shivering, confusion, and poor coordination. Frostbite-Parts of the body are exposed to extremely cold temperatures or come into contact with cold objects, causing the tissues to freeze. Slips and falls-Ice, snow, slush, wet surfaces, and mud (during a thaw) can cause slips and falls. A slip on the ground can cost you weeks off work. A slip at height can cost you your life. Carbon monoxide (CO)-Fuel-fired heaters can release CO gas. CO is a clear, colourless gas that you can't smell or taste. It interferes with your body's ability to use oxygen. Even in small doses, it can kill you. ## Identify controls ## PREVENT COLD-RELATED HEALTH PROBLEMS • Wear several thin layers of clothing instead of one thick layer. • Wear synthetic fabrics such as polypropylene next to the skin because it wicks away sweat. • Wear gloves, as well as a hat or other head covering that can fit under a hard hat. - Wear one pair of thick socks or two pairs of thin socks. Be aware that tight-fitting footwear restricts blood flow. - If you get hot when you're working, open your jacket but keep your hat and gloves on. • To prevent contact frostbite, wear insulated gloves when surfaces (especially metallic ones) are colder than -7°C. - Use tools and machines with controls that are designed to be operated by gloved hands. - If your clothing gets wet, change it immediately and get treated for hypothermia. ## PREVENT SLIPS AND FALLS • Clean the ice and snow off the soles of your boots, off the rungs of ladders, and from access areas and work platforms. - Use sand, salt, or other de-icing material. (Ice often forms on the underside of platform materi…

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# Cold Environments - Health Effects and First Aid (cont.) ## What are examples of cold-related injuries and illnesses? (cont.) Frostnip is the mildest form of a freezing cold injury. It occurs when ears, noses, cheeks, fingers, or toes are exposed to the cold and the top layers of the skin freeze. The skin of the affected area turns paler than the area around it and you may feel pain or stinging, followed by numbness. The skin may also appear shiny and rosy, as well as hardened. The top layer of skin may feel hard but the deeper tissue still feels normal (soft). It is a warning that frostbite is beginning. Frostnip can be prevented by wearing warm clothing and footwear. Frostbite is a common injury caused by exposure to cold or by contact with cold objects (especially those made of conductive metal or stone) and happens when tissue temperature is below 0°C (32°F). It may also occur in normal temperatures from contact with cooled liquids such as oil, fuel, or antifreeze. The skin may look waxy and feel colder than the area around it. It may also be harder to the touch. Blood vessels may be severely and permanently damaged, and blood circulation may stop in the affected tissue. The first symptom is usually numbness in the affected body part. In mild cases, additional symptoms include inflammation of the skin in patches accompanied by pain. In severe cases, there could be tissue damage without pain, or there could be burning or prickling sensations resulting in blisters. Frostbitten skin is highly susceptible to infection, and gangrene (local death of soft tissues due to loss of blood supply) may develop. Hypothermia - In moderately cold environments, the body's core temperature does not usually fall more than 1°C to 2°C below the normal 37°C (98.6°F) because of the body's ability to adapt. However, when a person is exposed to very cold temperatures for long periods of time without adequate clothing, the body is unable to compensate for the heat loss and the body'…

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CCOHS CCHST Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail # Cold Environments # Cold Environments - Health Effects and First Aid ## On this page What are the health effects of exposure to cold? How do we produce and retain heat within the body? How do we maintain thermal balance? What are examples of cold-related injuries and illnesses? What first aid can I do for frostnip? What first aid is appropriate for frostbite or immersion foot? What are the signs of hypothermia? What first aid is appropriate for hypothermia? What is meant by a hypothermia wrap? Can you become acclimatized to cold? Are there any factors that determine an individual's response to the cold? ## What are the health effects of exposure to cold? Exposure to cold working conditions may result in a variety of cold injuries and illnesses - with hypothermia and frostbite being the most serious. Other types of cold stress injuries include chilblain, immersion foot or trench foot, windburn, frostnip, and frostbite. Generally, toes, fingers, ears, and nose are at greatest risk because these areas do not have major muscles to produce heat. The body preserves heat by keeping the internal organs warm, reducing the flow of blood to the extremities under cold conditions. In addition, hands and feet tend to get cold more quickly than the body (torso) because: they lose heat more rapidly since they have a higher surface area-to-volume ratio, and - they are more likely to be in contact with colder surfaces than other parts of the body. If the eyes are not protected with goggles in high wind chill conditions, the corneas of the eyes may freeze. Cold Environments - Health Effects and First Aid CCOHS