cold weather work

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

# 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

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

# 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…

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

# 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

# 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

Source excerpt

# Module 12: Working Outdoors (cont.) ## What Is Heat Stroke? (cont.) Instruction Zone Roadway Safety - Working Outdoors [redacted street address] Construction Industry Consortium Awareness Program NOTES: ## What Are the Hazards of Cold Weather? Cold stress can lead to hypothermia and frostbite. Cold stress is caused by a combination of: • Cold/cool temperatures (50° F and less). • Wet weather and/or wet conditions. . High winds (40+ MPH). • Inadequate clothing. Cold stress is prevented by: • Warm layers of correct clothing, head cover, warm gloves, and wool socks. . Keeping dry. • Breaks in warm areas and drinking hot liquids. • Keeping in good physical shape. Early symptoms of hypothermia include: • Shivering, • Fatigue, • Loss of coordination, and - Confusion and disorientation. Late symptoms of hypothermia include: • No shivering, • Blue skin, • Dilated pupils, • Slowed pulse and breathing, Fig. WO-6. Cold weather can cause hypother- mia and frostbite. Ask trainees: How cold does it have to be for you to get frost- bite? What if it is wet outside? (See Wind Chill chart on page 49.)

Source excerpt

# COLD-RELATED HAZARDS & CONTROLS °C °F 50 20 40 100 30 80 20 60 10 40 07 20 10 20 0 307 20 Date Posted: 03/11/2024 According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), workers exposed to extreme cold or working in cold environments may be at risk of cold stress. Severe cold weather is a dangerous situation that can bring on health emergencies for workers without adequate shelter, workers who are continuously or often outdoors, and those who work in an area that is poorly insulated or without heat. In regions relatively unaccustomed to winter weather, near-freezing temperatures are considered factors that can bring on the symptoms of cold stress. Whenever temperatures drop decidedly below average, and as wind speed increases, heat can more rapidly leave your body. ## WHAT IS COLD STRESS? Cold stress is the condition that occurs when the body can no longer maintain its normal temperature. When left untreated, cold stress can result in injuries, leading to permanent damage or even death. Several serious cold-related illnesses may occur when exposed to cold temperatures without proper clothing or PPE. Common cold stress injuries include trench foot, hypothermia, and frostbite. ## COLD STRESS RISK FACTORS In a cold environment, most of the body's energy is focused on maintaining the body's internal core temperature at a safe level. When the body is exposed to cold temperatures for a long period of time, the body will begin to pull blood flow from the extremities (hands, feet, arms, and legs) to the core (chest and abdomen). This allows the skin and the extremities to cool and increases the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Cool temperatures and a wet environment (such as fall and winter in Western Washington) are a recipe for hypothermia and trench foot. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), some of the risk factors that contribute to cold stress are: • Wetness/dampness in the work environment - Dr…