Cold Weather

With the onset of cold weather, workers must take the necessary precautions
to prevent and treat cold-related injuries. Employees that commonly work
outdoors, such as construction, agricultural, maritime, or utility workers, are
among the most vulnerable for cold-related injuries. Prolonged exposure to
freezing or cold temperatures may cause serious injuries such as trench foot,
frostbite, and hypothermia. In extreme cases, including cold water immersion,
exposure can lead to death. It is important for all employees to understand the
warning signs of cold-related injuries and the means to prevent injury.
Under cold conditions, blood vessels in the skin, arms, and legs constrict,
decreasing blood flow to extremities. This minimizes cooling of the blood
and keeps critical internal organs warm. At prolonged and/or very low temperatures,
reducing blood flow to the extremities can result in lower skin
temperature. When the body is unable to warm itself, serious cold-related
injuries may occur.
Cold is a physical hazard that is a common exposure for many workers and
cold-related injuries are almost always preventable if the appropriate precautions
are taken. Injuries that occur from cold can range from uncomfortable
to life threatening. Know what can happen.
INJURY SEVERITY DESCRIPTION
Chilblain Painful injury Skin becomes tender, red, swollen
Trench foot Serious injury Extremities becomes numb, with swelling,
tingling, itching; may lead to loss of skin
or skin ulcers; amputation potential
Frostbite Serious injury Deep layers of skin freeze, causing sharp,
prickly sensation, often with skin
discoloration; severe cases include skin
peeling and/or loss of a body part
Hypothermia Life threatening Body core drops below 95ºF, can lead to
irregular pulse, unconsciousness, and death
Hypothermia Symptoms
• Numbness, stiffness, drowsiness, poor coordination
• Slow or irregular breathing and heart rate
• Slurred speech
• Cool skin, puffiness in the face
• Shivering with teeth chattering
• Victim feels cold and has pain in extremities
• May lead to confusion, disorientation, memory loss
• If not treated immediately, can cause deathHypothermia can occur when air temperatures are above
freezing, especially if brisk winds are present and/or clothing
has become damp from work or adverse weather.
Workers are at higher risk from cold exposure if they are
not acclimatized to the cold, are not physically fit, have a
chronic illness that affects the heart or blood vessels (i.e.
heart disease, asthma, bronchitis, diabetes), are fatigued,
and/or do not wear the appropriate clothing.
A Healthy Body Is Less Susceptible
• Use moisturizing lotions, lip balm
• Stay in peak physical shape
• Stay active to produce more heat
• Eat warm, high-calorie foods such as hot pasta and soups
• Drink warm, sweet beverages (i.e. hot chocolate or sports
drinks); the sugar helps the body generate additional heat
• Avoid dehydration, drink plenty of water
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, tobacco
• Keep extremities dry
Dress Properly
Proper dress will keep you warm and dry. Wet clothes
increase heat loss. The best clothing has good ventilation so
moisture can escape.
• Dress in layers
• Wear a liner in your hardhat
• Keep clothes dry
• Wear water resistant boots
• Wear synthetic fabrics such as polypropylene next
to the skin
• Wear outer windproof layer
• Avoid tight-fitting footwear
• Wear mittens with liners if possible
• Change socks frequently
Get Out Of The Cold
• Allow rest and warm-up breaks
• Use warming devices, if available
• Try to schedule work for the warmest part of the day
• Work in pairs (buddy system) to help workers recognize
danger signs
• Work in a shelter, when possible
• Work with your back to the wind
Training
Before being assigned to work in extreme cold, workers
should be trained in the following:
• Signs and symptoms of cold-related injuries
• Appropriate first aid treatment and re-warming procedures
• Proper clothing and equipment
• Safe work practices
• Guidelines for breaks, eating, and drinking
• Risk factors that increase the health effects of cold exposure
If you maintain good physical heath, eat and drink properly,
wear appropriate clothing, and minimize time spent in the
cold, you are more likely to stay safe and avoid injury.
For more information, contact your local Hartford
agent or your Hartford Loss Control Consultant.
Visit The Hartford’s Loss Control web site at
http://www.thehartford.com/corporate/losscontrol/