The winter weather came a little early this year, so we thought that it was important to remind everyone who manages outside workers about the dangers of cold weather and how to keep your employees safe. According to the United States Department of Labor, although the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not have a specific standard that covers working in cold environments, under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) of 1970, employers have a duty to protect workers from recognized hazards, including cold stress hazards, that are causing or likely to cause serious physical harm or death in the workplace.

What is “Cold Stress”?

It’s not your everyday chill or being a little uncomfortable in the cold. Essentially it is the continued exposure to cold, windy, wet conditions that cause heat to leave the body and drive down skin and internal body temperature.

Cold Stress shows itself in three major injuries. They are:

1. Hypothermia – When the normal body temperature (98.6°F) drops to less than 95°F Hypothermia occurs. Most Hypothermia strikes when the temperature is very cold, but it can develop in cool wet environments. Mild Hypothermia starts with shivering. In moderate to severe Hypothermia the shivering stops but the person is confused, with slurred speech and slow breathing and heart rate. Eventually, if not treated, the person will lose conciseness and possibly die. First Aid involves immediately calling 911 for emergency medical treatment. While waiting for medical help move the person into a warm area, change to dry clothes and cover the body with blankets, tarps, trash bags, etc. You want to use something to help keep the heat in the body. Do not cover the face or restrict air passages

2. Frostbite – This freezing of the skin and tissues can cause permanent damage and severe cases may lead to amputation. Symptoms include the tingling, aching, a loss of feeling while the skin turns red typically on the extremities, face, ears, feet and hands. Gradually, gray/white patches appear, and blisters may also occur in the affected areas.  First Aid includes wrapping the affected area loosely with a dry cloth and quickly calling for emergency medical help. Medical professionals warn patients to not re-warm the affected area before professional medical treatment.

3. Immersion/Trench Foot - A non-freezing injury of the feet that is caused by prolonged exposure of the skin on the feet to wet and cold conditions. When feet remain wet for long periods of time, the skin becomes red and foot pain, swelling, numbness, blisters and leg cramps follow. First Aid protocols recommend wet shoes, boots and socks be removed immediately and the feet lightly patted dry with a cloth. While waiting for medical attention, patient should avoid walking and keep feet elevated

How to Prevent Cold Stress

It’s important to plan for cold weather work. The number one priority is to wear the proper clothing. This means dressing in layers. Start with head, neck and face covering.  Dr. Daniel I. Sessler, an anesthesiologist and expert on hypothermia at the University of Louisville medical school said that research shows that the face, head and upper chest are up to five times as sensitive to changes in temperature as other areas. Heated gloves, socks and jackets also reduce the risk of Cold Stress. Waterproof boots, jackets and gloves work well to keep workers safe in wet and damp environments safe from the elements.

Other defenses against Cold Stress include:

• Make plenty of liquids excluding caffeine and alcohol available to employees and encourage consumption.
• Schedule more strenuous work during the warmer parts of the day.
• Take breaks according to the temperature. (See grid below)
• Schedule employees to work in pairs. A partner can watch for signs of Cold Stress and get their buddy medical help immediately.

Keeping your crew warm and safe in cold weather takes time and investment. BlackHawk Industrial Supply works hard to bring you the right products for your winter safety program.

Please see all of our Safety Clothing and Workwear on our website. Our trained professionals at BlackHawk Industrial are happy to help you with any of your cold weather gear questions. We welcome you to contact us here:  https://www.bhid.com/ContactUs or call us TOLL FREE at (855) 610-1001.