Cold contributes to injuries, but there are precautions that workers can take

EDITOR:

Now that winter is upon us, brutally cold weather is just around the corner. Many of us spend our time working outdoors or in warehouses or manufacturing facilities exposed to the elements. Cold stress can occur more easily during this time of the year, although it can occur any time of year. In fact, most cases of cold stress develop in air temperatures between 30 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Workers who are exposed to lower temperatures are at risk for injuries ranging from frostbite to serious loss of body heat or hypothermia, which could result in brain damage or death. Here are a few actions to protect yourself from cold stress injuries.

Dress warmly, in layers. Preserving an air space between the body and the outer layer of clothing, helps retain body heat. Fabrics such as cotton or wool which insulate but also allow sweat to evaporate are your best choices. Protect the feet, hands, head, and face. These parts of the body are farthest from the heart and are the hardest to keep warm. Half of your body heat can be lost through the head, so cover it up as well. If your required to wear a hard hat, use it with a cloth, protective liner.

Keep dry. Wetness greatly increases the chance of cold stress. Have extra clothing available if there’s a chance you could get wet. Keep your feet dry, they are very susceptible to frostbite. A good pair of boots or shoes are important, along with the socks you wear.

Take a break. Many think that it is a good idea to keep on working in cold temperatures. Working makes you break a sweat, you create body heat and you feel warmer. But once fatigue sets in, from all that work during physical activity, your body loses its ability to properly retain heat. This causes rapid cooling which can quickly lead to cold stress. When you take a break, be sure to replace lost fluids and calories by drinking warm, sweet, caffeine-free nonalcoholic drinks and soup, even if you’re not thirsty.

Eat right, even if you are on a diet. You body needs the proper amount of nutrients to retain heat. Good cold weather foods are pasta, soups, and other high-calorie foods.

Don’t work alone. Use the buddy system. Look out for one another and be alert for the symptoms of cold stress.

Learn what symptoms to look for. The first symptoms of hypothermia are uncontrollable shivering and the sensation of cold. Don’t ignore them. The heartbeat slows and may become irregular, and the pulse weakens. As the condition worsens, severe shaking or rigid muscles may be evident. Slurred speech, memory lapses, and drowsiness may set in. Cool skin, slow, irregular breathing, and exhaustion occur as the body temperature drops even lower. This is a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention. Quit working and move to a warm or protected area and call or seek medical attention.

Frostbite can occur without hypothermia. Frostbite occurs when the fluids around the body’s tissues freeze. The most vulnerable parts of the body are the nose, cheeks, ears, fingers, and toes. Symptoms include coldness and tingling in the affected part, followed by numbness; changes in skin color to white or grayish-yellow, initial pain, which subsides as the condition worsens, and possibly blisters. Frostbite can cause irreversible tissue damage and requires immediate medical attention.

If you work, or play outdoors during the winter months, or your indoor working conditions pose cold weather concerns, the above guidelines can prevent serious injuries or even death.

JOHN P. LESEGANICH

Canfield

X The writer is a Certified Professional Environmental Auditor and a safety and health consultant.