SAFETY TIP: Prevent Cold Stress Illness and Injury

It’s the time of year when workers may be at risk of cold stress. In regions relatively unaccustomed to winter weather, near freezing temperatures are considered factors for cold illness. Whenever temperatures drop decidedly below normal and wind speed increases, workers can be at risk for cold stress – and serious health problems.

Cold stress occurs when cold conditions, including wind, reduce the skin temperature and eventually the internal body temperature. When the body can’t warm itself, serious cold-related illnesses and injuries can occur. The brain is affected, making it difficult to think clearly or move normally. Permanent tissue damage and even death may result. Types of cold stress include: trench foot, frostbite, hypothermia, and chilblains.

Risk factors for cold stress include:

• Wetness/dampness, dressing improperly, and exhaustion
• Predisposing health conditions such as hypertension, hypothyroidism, and diabetes
• Poor physical conditioning

If you or your employees work outside, be sure everyone is familiar with the steps to take to avoid injury or illness due to cold weather.

NIOSH tips to protect workers from cold illnesses:

1. Wear appropriate clothing:
   – Several layers of loose clothing provides the best insulation.
   – Tight clothing reduces blood circulation. Warm blood needs to be able to circulate to the extremities.
   – When choosing clothing, be aware that some clothing may restrict movement, resulting in a hazardous situation.
   – Make sure to protect the ears, face, hands and feet in extremely cold weather.
   – Boots should be waterproof and insulated.
   – Wear a hat to help keep your whole body warmer.
2. Move into warm locations during work breaks; limit the amount of time outside on extremely cold days.
3. Carry cold weather gear, such as extra socks, gloves, hats, jacket, blankets, a change of clothes and a thermos of hot liquid.
4. Include a thermometer and chemical hot packs in your first aid kit.
5. Avoid touching cold metal surfaces with bare skin.
6. Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers.

What OSHA says about preventing cold stress:

Although OSHA has no specific standard for working in cold environments, employers have a duty to protect workers from recognized hazards. That includes cold stress hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm in the workplace.

So, employers should train workers about the hazards of working in the cold. Training should include:

• How to recognize the environmental and workplace conditions that can lead to cold stress.
• The symptoms of cold stress, how to prevent cold stress, and what to do to help those who are affected.
• How to select proper clothing for cold, wet, and windy conditions.

Employers should also:

• Monitor workers physical condition.
• Schedule frequent short breaks in warm dry areas, to allow the body to warm up.
• Schedule work during the warmest part of the day.
• Use the buddy system (work in pairs).
• Provide warm, sweet beverages. Avoid drinks with alcohol.
• Stay well nourished by snacking on high carbohydrate foods.
• Avoid touching cold metal or wet surfaces with bare skin.
• Provide engineering controls such as radiant heaters.

Anyone working in a cold environment may be at risk of cold stress. Protecting worker safety and health in cold conditions helps prevent injuries and keeps you on schedule.

Cold Stress Resources:

• Learn more at the NIOSH Cold Stress page.
• Visit the OSHA Winter Weather page.
• NIOSH Fast Fact: Protecting yourself from cold stress (pdf).
• CDC advice on preventing hypothermia.
• The Physiological Response of Working in Cold Environments and how your PPE can Help.