Cold-related injuries, illnesses and fatalities can occur if you or your co-workers are chilled by low temperatures, winds, or wetness and dampness. The combination of these three conditions, known as “The Cold Stress Equation,” creates serious and potentially life-threatening hazards.
This article provides an overview of cold stress and discusses three types of cold stress. It also outlines steps you can take to protect yourself and others from these risks while at work.
What Is Cold Stress?
Cold stress occurs when your body can no longer maintain its normal temperature. A cold environment causes the body to work harder than usual to maintain its temperature; as it is unable to warm itself, serious risks of injury and death emerge.
Cold stress varies by region. In fact, in areas that are not used to winter weather, near-freezing temperatures are considered cold stress factors. Risk factors for cold stress include the following:
- Wetness or dampness, even from sweat.
- Dressing improperly.
- Exhaustion, poor physical conditioning, poor diet or being older.
- Predisposing health conditions such as hypertension, hypothyroidism and diabetes.
Not being used to working in the cold or taking certain medications can also increase the risk of cold stress. Types of cold stress include hypothermia, frostbite and trench foot.
Hypothermia
When hypothermia occurs, the normal body temperature (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit) drops to or below 95 degrees Fahrenheit and symptoms include fatigue, drowsiness, uncontrolled shivering, cool skin, bluish skin, slurred speech, clumsy movements, irritability, confusion and irrational behavior. If you suspect a co-worker has hypothermia while working on land, do the following:
- Call for emergency assistance immediately.
- Move the affected person to a warm, dry area. DO NOT leave them alone.
- Remove any wet clothing, replacing them with warm, dry clothing. Wrap the person in blankets. Include a vapor barrier (e.g., tarp, garbage bag) but DO NOT cover the person’s face.
- Have the person drink warm, sweet drinks if they are alert. DO NOT try to give a drink to an unconscious person.
- Have the person move their arms and legs to create muscle heat. If they are unable to do this, place warm bottles or hot packs in their armpits, groin, and neck and head area. DO NOT rub the person’s body or place them in a warm water bath, as this may stop the heart.
- Administer CPR if the person doesn’t have a pulse and continue until the person responds or medical aid becomes available.
Frostbite
When frostbite occurs, deep layers of the skin and tissue freeze. The skin becomes pale, waxy-white or grayish-yellow, hard and numb. This condition usually affects the fingers, hands, toes, feet, ears and nose. If a co-worker has or shows signs of frostbite, do the following:
- Move the person to a warm, dry area. DO NOT leave them alone.
- Remove any wet or tight clothing that may cut off blood flow to the affected area.
- DO NOT rub the affected skin, as this can cause damage to the tissue.
- Gently place the affected area in warm water (105 degrees Fahrenheit) to warm the tissue slowly. DO NOT pour warm water directly on the skin because it may warm the tissue too fast and cause damage. Warming generally takes about 25-40 minutes. After the affected area has been warmed, it may become puffy and blister, accompanied by a burning sensation or numbness.
- Dry and wrap the affected area to keep it warm after normal movement, feeling and skin color have returned.
- DO NOT warm the skin if the affected area could get cold again. Should the skin be warmed and then become cold a second time, tissue could be severely damaged.
With all frostbite cases, the injured person should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Trench Foot
Trench foot, also known as immersion foot, can occur if feet are constantly wet. It is a non-freezing injury caused by prolonged exposure to wet and cold conditions, and it can happen in temperatures as high as 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Symptoms include skin redness, numbness, tingling, swelling, pain, leg cramps, blisters, bleeding under the skin and gangrene. If you suspect that you or a co-worker has trench foot, do the following:
- Seek medical assistance as soon as possible.
- Remove wet shoes or boots and wet socks.
- Dry the feet, keep them elevated, and avoid working on them or walking.
Safety Recommendations
Safety is both your responsibility and the responsibility of your employer. Keep these recommendations in mind to avoid cold-weather injuries and illnesses:
- Recognize environmental and workplace conditions that may lead to potential cold-induced ailments.
- Monitor the temperature and wind chill. Wind chill is the measurement that notes the actual effect of the cold on exposed skin.
- Learn the symptoms of cold-induced ailments and what to do to help others or yourself.
- Select proper clothing for cold, wet and windy conditions. Layer clothing to adjust to changing temperatures and wear a hat, gloves and underwear that will keep water away from the skin.
- Take frequent, short breaks in warm, dry shelters to allow the body to warm up.
- Perform work during the warmest part of the day, use the buddy system, and avoid exhaustion or fatigue.
- Stay well-nourished and avoid alcoholic or caffeinated drinks.
- Avoid touching cold metal or wet surfaces with bare skin.
- Monitor your physical condition during tasks, especially if you are new to working in cold weather or are returning to it after spending time away.
Regardless of your job title, working safely is everyone’s responsibility. Contact your supervisor for more information.
