Protecting
Workers
From Cold Stress
Anyone working in a cold environment may be at risk of cold stress, which occurs when the skin temperature and the internal body temperature drop below normal levels. This may lead to serious health problems and may cause tissue damage or death.
Hypothermia, frostbite, and trench foot are the most common cold-induced illnesses/injuries. In a cold environment, the body shifts blood flow from the extremities and outer skin to the core. This shift allows the exposed skin and the extremities to cool rapidly.
Some of the risk factors that contribute to cold stress are:
■ Wetness/dampness, dressing improperly, and exhaustion.
■ Predisposing health conditions such as hypertension, hypothyroidism, and diabetes.
■ Poor physical conditioning.
OSHA does not have a specific standard that covers working in cold environments, but employers have a responsibility to provide workers with a workplace that is free from recognized hazards—including cold stress—that could cause serious physical harm or death. The following tips can help prevent injuries and illnesses related to cold stress in your workplace:
■ Train workers on how to prevent and recognize cold stress illnesses and injuries and how to apply first aid treatment. Workers should learn about appropriate engineering controls, personal protective equipment, and work practices that can reduce the risk of cold stress.
■ Provide engineering controls, such as radiant heaters and wind shields in work areas exposed to wind chill.
■ Use safe work practices, such as assigning workers to operate in pairs to monitor each other, giving workers frequent warming breaks, scheduling outdoor work during the warmest time of day, and providing warm sweetened liquids to outdoor workers.
■ Dress properly, such as wearing a hat and at least three layers of loose-fitting clothing, with an inner layer of wool, silk, or synthetic fabric to wick moisture away from the body; using insulated gloves and a knit mask to cover the face and mouth (if needed); and wearing insulated and waterproof boots.
Graphic by kjpargeter from Freepik.
