Write a toolbox talk on Working in cold weather

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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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# 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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# 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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## How can we stay safe today? (cont.) Construction Cold Environments Toolbox Talk NIOSH CPWR [● - Dress in layers. Wear a hat, gloves, and other clothing to keep you warm and dry. - Use the buddy system so you can spot danger signs in each other. - Drink warm, sweet beverages. GET INFORMATION CDC/NIOSH INFO: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-[redacted phone]) | TTY: 1-[redacted phone] | cdc.gov/info | cdc.gov/niosh CPWR: Contact [redacted phone] | [redacted email] | www.cpwr.com/toolbox-talks DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2022-132 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.[redacted postal code]/NIOSHPUB2022132 | August 2022

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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>0 to -9</td><td>Low risk</td><td>Slight increase in discomfort</td><td>Dress warmly Stay dry</td></tr><tr><td>-10 to -27</td><td>Moderate risk</td><td>Uncomfortable Risk of hypothermia and frostbite if outside for long periods without adequate protection.</td><td>Dress in layers of warm clothing, with an outer layer that is wind-resistant. Wear a hat, mittens or insulated gloves, a scarf and insulated, waterproof footwear. Stay dry. Keep active</td></tr><tr><td>-28 to -39</td><td>High Risk: exposed skin can freeze in 10 to 30 minutes</td><td>High risk of frostnip or frostbite: Check face and extremities for numbness or whiteness. High risk of hypothermia if outside for long periods without adequate clothing or shelter from wind and cold.</td><td>Dress in layers of warm clothing, with an outer layer that is wind-resistant Cover 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>-40 to -47</td><td>Very high risk: exposed skin can freeze in 5 to 10 minutes (In sustained</td><td>Very high risk of frostbite: Check face and extremities for numbness or whiteness.</td><td>Dress in layers of warm clothing, with an outer layer that is wind-resistant.</td></tr></table> Cold Environments Control Measures 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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# 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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# 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…

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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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# 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 - Overview (cont.) ## How does cold affect work performance? (cont.) Manual tasks are also impaired because the sensitivity and dexterity of fingers are reduced in the cold. At even lower temperatures, the cold affects the deeper muscles resulting in reduced muscular strength and stiffened joints. For all these reasons, incidents are more likely to occur in very cold working conditions. ## What are some jobs where cold may be a hazard? Workers at risk of cold stress include: - Outdoor workers, including: - Road builders, house builders, and other construction workers - Hydro and telecommunications linemen - Police officers, firefighters, emergency response workers, military personnel - Transport workers, bus, and truck drivers - Fishers, hunters, trappers - Divers - Workers in refrigerated warehouses - Meat packaging and meat storage workers - Outdoor recreation workers (and enthusiasts) ## Is there a minimum temperature at which work becomes dangerous and should be stopped? The short answer is yes. At very cold temperatures, the most serious concern is the risk of hypothermia or dangerous overcooling of the body. Another serious effect of cold exposure is frostbite or freezing of the exposed extremities such as fingers, toes, nose, and ears. Hypothermia could be fatal in the absence of immediate medical attention. ## What are the warning signs of hypothermia? Warning signs of hypothermia can include complaints of nausea, fatigue, dizziness, irritability, or euphoria. Workers can also experience pain in their extremities such as the hands, feet, and ears, and shivering. Workers showing signs of hypothermia should be moved to a heated shelter and get medical help immediately. Cold Environments - Overview CCOHS