cold weather

Source excerpt

# 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

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.

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

# Climate Change: Extreme Weather - Cold (cont.) ## Snow accumulation, ice, high winds, and melting snow (cont.) Poor driving - conditions due to lack of visibility, and snow-covered or icy roads - Increased risk of slips, trips and falls as a result of snow-covered walkways or icy surfaces - Increased risk of flooding due to melting snow - Injuries and incidents from falling snow and ice off outdoor elevated areas (e.g., roofs) - Increased risks associated with high winds - Power failures and equipment malfunctions For more information on preparing for extreme winter weather, please see our OSH Answers document on Climate Change: Extreme Weather - Preparing for Climate Related Emergencies. ## Mental Health Cold temperatures may cause elevated levels of stress. For example, outdoor workers may experience stress when they need to change their schedules and hours due to the weather, which can impact their work-life balance. Many workplaces may experience disruptions and delays with operations, which can also impact workload and cause worker stress. ## Operational Impacts Equipment and materials, especially those items used outside, can be impacted by colder temperatures. Cold temperatures can cause equipment components to not function properly, to work harder, and possibly wear out faster. For example, the controls may be frozen and not allow for the safe operation of the equipment. In cold weather, batteries do not operate as efficiently, which can also lead to not being able to start or maintain the power of the equipment. Extreme cold, heavy snowfall, high winds, and ice can also delay and disrupt operations. ## How can a workplace plan for extreme cold? The onset of extreme weather can occur very quickly in the winter, and workplaces need to be prepared. Control measures for working in the cold must be implemented to protect workers during variable Canadian winter weather. First, identify all the potential hazards associated with extreme cold …

Source excerpt

# What personal protective equipment (PPE) can be used for working in the cold? (cont.) ## Footwear (cont.) You may prefer to wear one pair of thick, bulky socks or two pairs - one inner sock of silk, nylon, or thin wool and a slightly larger, thick outer sock. Liner socks made from polypropylene will help keep feet dry and warmer by wicking sweat away from the skin. However, as the outer sock becomes more damp, its insulation properties decrease. If work conditions permit, have extra socks available so you can dry your feet and change socks during the day. If two pairs of socks are worn, the outer sock should be a larger size so that the inner sock is not compressed. Always wear the right thickness of socks for your boots. If they are too thick, the boots will be "tight," and the socks will lose much of their insulating properties are compressed inside the boot. The foot would also be "squeezed" which would slow the blood flow to the feet and increase the risk of cold injuries. If the socks are too thin, the boots will fit loosely and may lead to blisters. ## Face and Eye Protection Where face protection is used, eye protection must be separated from the nose and mouth to prevent exhaled moisture from fogging and frosting eye shields or glasses. Select protective eyewear that is appropriate for the work you are doing, and for protection against ultraviolet light from the sun, glare from the snow, blowing snow or ice crystals, and high winds at cold temperatures. ## What are some additional prevention tips? To prevent excessive sweating while working, remove clothing in the following order: - remove mittens or gloves (unless you need protection from snow or ice), - remove headgear and scarf. - open the jacket at the waist and wrists, and - remove outer layers of clothing. As you cool down, follow the reverse order of the above steps. Balanced meals and adequate liquid intake are essential to maintaining body heat and preventing dehydration. Eat appropri…

Source excerpt

# Are there exposure limits for working in cold environments? (cont.) ## Emergency Procedures (cont.) Workers and supervisors who work in cold environments should be informed about symptoms of cold stress, proper clothing habits, safe work practices, physical fitness requirements for working in cold, and emergency procedures in case of cold injury. They should also understand and look out for one another and be alert for the symptoms of cold injury, including hypothermia. # What personal protective equipment (PPE) can be used for working in the cold? ## Clothing Protective clothing is needed for work in cold environments. Clothing should be selected to suit the temperature, weather conditions (e.g., wind speed, rain), the level and duration of activity, and job design. These factors are important to consider so that you can regulate the amount of heat and perspiration you generate while working. If the work pace is too fast or if the type and amount of clothing are not properly selected, excessive sweating may occur. The clothing next to the body will become wet and the insulation value of the clothing will decrease dramatically. This reduction in insulation value increases the risk of cold injuries and illnesses. - Clothing should be worn in multiple layers which provide better protection than a single thick garment. The air between layers of clothing provides better insulation than the clothing itself. Having several layers also gives you the option to open or remove a layer before you get too warm and start sweating or to add a layer when you take a break. Layers also allow you to accommodate the level of activity, changing temperatures and weather conditions. Successive outer layers should be larger than the inner layer, otherwise the outermost layer will compress the inner layers and will decrease the insulation properties of the clothing. - The inner layer should provide insulation and be able to "wick" moisture away from the skin to help keep it dry. T…

Source excerpt

Kiprc KENTUCKY INJURY PREVENTION AND RESEARCH CENTER # HAZARD ALERT Kentucky Occupational Safety and Health Surveillance-February 2023 WORKING IN WINTER WEATHER ## WINTER WEATHER- RELATED HAZARDS Slips and falls Hazardous road conditions Snow shoveling Powered equipment like snow blowers Working with or near downed or damaged power lines Removing downed trees Cold stress Carbon Monoxide Poisoning ## What is the hazard? Winter weather presents a number of hazards. From 2018-2021, 2,325 Kentucky workers experienced various types of winter-weather related injuries. Slips or falls were the most common, accounting for 95% of the winter weather-related occupational injuries, followed by motor vehicle collisions (2%), overexertion during snow/ice removal (2%), and other (1%).1 2,3,4 Recommendations for preventing winter weather-related injuries: • Employers should clear walkways of snow and ice, and spread deicer after a winter storm. Wearing proper footwear, such as insulated boots with rubber treads and taking short steps at a slow pace will help to prevent slips and falls. • Ensure workers are trained for driving in winter weather conditions and licensed for the vehicles they operate. Implement a regular maintenance program for all vehicles. Keep well-stocked emergency kits in all vehicles. • Strenuous activities like shoveling snow can lead to dehydration, injuries, and heart attacks. Workers should warm up before starting snow removal. When possible, push snow instead of lifting it. Lift small amounts at a time and use proper lift techniques: keep the back straight, lift with the legs, and avoid twisting the body. - Add fuel before starting a snow blower-never while the engine is running. Keep your hands away from moving parts of the machine and never try to clear a jam by hand. To clear a jam, stop the engine and wait 5 seconds. Then use a solid object to clear debris. • Extra caution should be taken when repairing/replacing damaged power lin…