Safety Tidbit 6.02 – Well the Weather Outside is Frightful -- Please Bundle Up!

 

Safety Tidbit 6.02 – Well  the Weather Outside is Frightful -- Please Bundle Up!

 

Reference: NIOSH - Preventing Cold related Illness, Injury and Death Among Workers

 

This Safety Tidbit was written by my student, Ms. Emma Nippes – a senior in the Safety Sciences Program at the Indiana University of PA graduating Summer 2021.

 

As the winter season quickly approaches, employees begin to face hazards associated with the cold weather. The colder environment can force employees' muscles to work harder and struggle to maintain their internal temperature. This environment is also an ideal situation for employees to develop frostbite, trench foot, and hypothermia while on the job. It is vital to understand the signs and symptoms of these hazards before an employee can become injured.

 

The most severe hazard commonly associated with cold-weather environments is frostbite. Frostbite is an injury to the body caused by freezing temperatures and can affect the frostbitten area's feeling or color. The most prevalent body parts affected include the ears, nose, cheeks, fingers, and toes. If frostbite is left untreated, it can cause permanent damage, and in severe cases, amputation.

 

The next hazard associated with cold weather is trench foot, also known as immersion foot. This issue can occur when temperatures reach as high as 60 degrees Fahrenheit, in addition to an employee's feet continually being wet. And because wet feet lose heat 25 times faster than dry feet, blood vessels begin to constrict and cut off circulation within the feet. The lack of circulation can then cause the skin tissue to die and lead to possible amputation of one or both feet.

 

The final hazard cold-weather hazard is hypothermia. Employees can face the effects of hypothermia when exposed to cold or cool temperatures for a prolonged time. This prolonged exposure can cause the body to lose heat faster than the person can produce it. The consequences of hypothermia include abnormally low body temperature, confusion, and difficulty moving. If left untreated, employees can go into respiratory failure and potentially die.

 

To prevent hazards that come with cold weather, SHE professionals can use some simple work practices. First, ensuring employees are wearing multiple clothing layers and no exposed skin (use of hats that cover the ears and gloves). Waterproof shoes to keep feet dry when working in the snow and ice. These work practices may also include limiting employee exposure to the cold and taking breaks in warm areas when needed. Overall, working in cold weather environments can be dangerous when not adequately prepared for it.

 

I hope this was helpful and thank you for reading my Safety Tidbits! Comments and questions are always welcome. ~ Bryan

 

P.S. If you have a new safety or health question, please let me know.