Cold Stress and Hypothermia

Source excerpt

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

Source excerpt

## Trench Foot An injury of the feet resulting from prolonged exposure to wet and cold conditions that can occur at temperatures as high as 60 °F if the feet are constantly wet. ## Symptoms ■ Reddening of the skin ■ Numbness ■ Leg cramps - Swelling - Tingling pain ■ Blisters or ulcers ■Bleeding under the skin ## First Aid ■ Remove shoes/boots and wet socks. ■ Dry feet. ■ Avoid walking on feet, as this may cause tissue damage. - Gangrene (foot may turn dark purple, blue, or gray) ## Chilblains Ulcers formed by damaged small blood vessels in the skin, caused by the repeated exposure of skin to temperatures just above freezing to as high as 60 °F. ## Symptoms ■ Redness ■ Itching ■ Possible blistering ■Inflammation ■ Possible ulceration in severe cases ## First Aid ■ Avoid scratching. ■ Slowly warm the skin. ■ Use corticosteroid creams to relieve itching and swelling - Keep blisters and ulcers clean and covered. ## Protect Yourself - Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers. ■Wear appropriate clothing. - Wear several layers of loose clothing for insulation. - Tight clothing reduces blood circulation to the extremities. ■ Be aware that some clothing may restrict movement resulting in a hazardous situation. ■ Protect the ears, face, hands and feet in extremely cold or wet weather. - Boots should be waterproof and insulated. - Wear a hat to reduce the loss of body heat from your head. ■ Move into warm locations during breaks; limit the amount of time outside. ■ Carry extra socks, gloves, hats, jacket, blankets, a change of clothes and a thermos of hot liquid. ■Include chemical hot packs in your first aid kit. ■ Avoid touching cold metal surfaces with bare skin. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/outdoor/ DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2010-115 Telephone: 1-800-CDC-INFO TTY:…

Source excerpt

# 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,…

Source excerpt

# Winter Weather Hazards Q. How can cold stress be prevented when working in winter weather? A. Cold Stress occurs by driving down the skin temperature, and eventually the internal body temperature. Workers should have appropriate personal protective equipment and dress appropriately, including dressing in layers. Employers should schedule heavy work during the warmer part of the day and assign workers to tasks in pairs so that they can monitor each other for signs of cold stress. See OSHA's Cold Stress Guide for more information on preventing, recognizing, and treating signs of cold stress. ## Preventing Slips on Snow and Ice To prevent slips, trips, and falls, employers should clear snow and ice from walking surfaces, and spread deicer, as quickly as possible after a winter storm. When walking on snow or ice is unavoidable workers should be trained to: * - Wear footwear that has good traction and insulation (e.g. insulated and water resistant boots or rubber over-shoes with good rubber treads) ■ Take short steps and walk at a slower pace to react quickly to changes in traction ## Preventing Falls When Removing Snow from Rooftops and Other Elevated Surfaces OSHA's Hazard Alert, Snow Removal: Know the Hazards Pamplet, and winter weather webpages provide guidance to employers on how to prevent serious injuries and fatalities. Employers should consider options to avoid working on roofs or elevated heights, plan ahead for safe snow removal and must: ■ Provide required fall protection and training when working on the roof or elevated heights - Ensure ladders are used safely (e.g. clearing snow and ice from surfaces) ■ Use extreme caution when working near power lines ■ Prevent harmful exposure to cold temperatures and physical exertion

Source excerpt

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…

Source excerpt

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.