As cold weather patterns become more unpredictable, no region is immune to a debilitating Polar Vortex—making it more important than ever to be able to identify common cold stress injuries, treatments and how to prevent them in the first place.
When the body temperature drops below 98.6° F (or 37° C), blood begins to flow away from the extremities to heat the body’s core. This immediately cools exposed skin and extremities, and increases the risk of cold stress, specifically frostbite and hypothermia.
Learn the symptoms the treatment, and how to prevent these potentially life-threatening illnesses.
Blood leaves extremities to protect vital organs
White/gray/blue skin, cold/hard/waxy skin, itching, burning, numbness, blistering
Move to warm area, place extremities in warm water or wrap in warm blanket, seek medical attention.
Core body temperature falls below 95° F (35° C)
Shivering, poor coordination, confusion, slurred or slowed speech, hallucinations
For mild cases, move to warm area and stay active. For moderate to severe cases, seek medical attention.
Not drinking enough fluid to replace what is lost
Fatigue, lightheadedness, muscle cramps, confusion, dark & strong-smelling urine
Replace lost fluids and electrolytes with water, sports drinks or juice. Drink 5-7 ounces every 15-20 minutes throughout the day.
Cold exposure resulted in 240 worksite injuries 2019. Additionally, 880 fatalities were caused by slips, trips & falls—a risk greatly heightened by cold and icy conditions.
Cold-related illnesses and fatalities are preventable when you know the risks, symptoms and solutions. With expert training, support and endless innovation, Ergodyne is here to help you lead the way in making the Workplace a Betterplace™.
YOUR ROADMAP TO WINTER WORK DOMINATION
Working safely in bitter cold conditions requires planning, regular breaks to warm up and layering up in the right PPE.
Layers are the key to surviving – and thriving – through the months of sub-Zs and snow dumps ahead. Because there is no single magic garment able to adapt to all the ever-changing environmental variables of winter the way a proper layering system can. So, layer up, and bear down. Here’s your guide to the protective barriers needed to combat Mother Nature.
When the goal is to stay warm, productive and agile, a moisture-wicking, quick-drying layer is key. Venting under arms and a slightly loose, noncompression fit also creates a breathable layer of air insulation.
Your second layer – often your work gear or uniform – not only provides an added layer of insulation from the cold to trap body heat, but allows the wearer to react to changing temps and adjust their warmth by removing or adding layers as needed.
The third layer should be made of durable materials designed to stand up to abrasion, wind, rain and snow, as well as the cold. Insulated shells should also allow for air and moisture to pass through to the outside, with venting adding another level of temperature control.
There is currently no federal OSHA regulation, but… the General Duty Clause states that employers must provide a safe and healthful workplace for workers.
At least three layers of loose-fitting clothing
A knit mask that covers the face & mouth
A hat that covers the ears
Insulated gloves to protect hands
Insulated & waterproof boots to protect feet
There is no single magic garment able to adapt to the ever-changing environmental variables of winter the way a proper layering system can.
Ice and snow make for treacherous terrain that leads to nasty slips and falls.
Dehydration in cold environments is a major risk, especially since lower temperatures suppress thirst (the body is focused on regulating core temp more than fluid balance).
Provides safe and effective broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection against sunburn.
The ole noggin’—and your face, nose, ears and neck—are some of the most susceptible to frost bite.
There is no single magic garment able to adapt to the ever-changing environmental variables of winter the way a proper layering system can.
Many so-called winter work gloves are actually retro-fitted allseason gloves crammed with cheap insulation and made using materials that actually absorb water and let cold air in.
Dehydration in cold environments is a major risk, especially since lower temperatures suppress thirst (the body is focused on regulating core temp more than fluid balance).
Slips, trips and falls are the second most common cause of accidental death in the U.S. every year. Even deeply lugged soles may be inadequate for winter walking surfaces.
Provides safe and effective broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection against sunburn.
COMFORT FOR YOUR CLIMATE
From a “tad chilly” to full-blown arctic blast… build a layering system to match your flavor of frosty.
Just because you’re not slugging it out in sub-zero temps doesn’t mean you’re not at risk. Hypothermia can, and does, happen in temps above 40°F, especially when chilled from rain, sweat, or submersion in cold water.
If it’s exposed, it’s gonna get “frozed”. Like, fast. Less than 10 minutes when temps are -10°F (-23°C). Fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose are the most vulnerable parts of the body to frostbite—warming packs and face covers to the rescue.
GET SMART ON COLD STRESS
Videos, articles, toolbox talks and more… it’s a veritable blizzard of ready-to-share resources to keep crews safe and productive in the cold.
