With winter just around the corner, employers should be reviewing all aspects of their cold weather safety plans to
protect any employees who work outside for extended periods of time. Freezing temperatures, snow, and ice can
be more than just a nuisance for those whose livelihood depends upon their ability to work safely in winter’s harsh
conditions.
The effects low temperatures have on the human body may be underestimated or even misunderstood by
employers. They may also not realize that the overall health, age, weight, and physical fitness of the individual
worker must be considered too. These are equally important risk factors as environmental conditions such as
ambient temperature and wind chill. The onset of what is called “cold stress”, when the body is unable to warm
itself, may cause injury, illness, or even death. According to OSHA, elements contributing to the development of a
cold stress situation may include one or more of the following circumstances:
Wetness/dampness, dressing improperly, and exhaustion
Predisposing health issues such as hypertension, hypothyroidism, and diabetes
Poor physical conditioning
Although the agency has no specific standard for preventing cold weather injuries and illnesses, it uses the General
Duty Clause that requires employers to provide safe and healthful work environments for employees.
To prevent cold stress from occurring, employers should include seasonal refresher safety training to raise
employees’ awareness of this condition and how to prevent it. Some elements of this training should include:
How to dress properly for windy, cold and wet work zones and how to identify cold-related injuries, such
as:
Trench Foot. This affliction is not necessarily freeze-related; it may develop in temperatures as high as 60
degrees F. Feet that are constantly wet and cold are at risk because wet feet lose heat 25 times faster
than dry feet. Symptoms may include red skin, pain, swelling, tingling, numbness, blisters, and leg
cramps.
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HAMOND GROUP
Frostbite. Improper dress and those workers with poor circulation increase the risk of frostbite. Freezing
of the skin and surrounding tissues occurs and may cause permanent damage or even lead to amputation
in severe cases.
Hypothermia. The body replaces heat as the temperatures drop but when it can no longer produce heat
or use its stored energy as quickly as it is depleted, hypothermia develops. This occurs when the body
temperature reaches approximately 95 degrees F (98.6 F is considered normal). Although typically
associated with very cold temperatures, hypothermia may manifest itself even above 40 degrees F if the
victim becomes chilled from sweat, rain or has had prolonged contact with cold water.
Some precautions that should be taken to prevent cold stress are listed below:
Monitor workers’ physical condition continuously, paying special attention to those who have medical
issues that may make them more susceptible to cold stress.
Permit access to warming areas to allow for frequent short breaks
Use the buddy system (two or more working together)
Ensure that hot beverages are available on-site
Supply portable radiant heaters to the work area, especially if warming areas are unavailable
Overlooking or underestimating the impact that cold weather has on employees who work in low
temperatures may lead to injuries that are avoidable. Toolbox talks or safety meetings held prior to the onset
of cold weather are ideal for reviewing freezing injury prevention and detection with employees. These
simple precautions will not only improve employee health and safety but will also save related workers’
compensation and administrative costs too.
Please direct any questions or concerns to:
The Safety Division at Hamond Safety Management
Anthony Vacchio, avacchio@hamondgroup.com 516-762-4224