Cold Stress
On very cold days, employees should take adequate precautions to prevent cold-related illnesses including hypothermia or frostbite.
Cold-Stress Illnesses Signs & Symptoms
Frostbite occurs when the skin actually freezes and loses water.
- Signs and Symptoms:
- Cold, tingling, stinging or aching feeling in the frostbitten area, followed by numbness
- Skin color turns red, then purple, then white or very pale skin, cold to the touch
- Treatment
- Do not rub the area
- Wrap in warm cloth or use hot pack
- Immerse in warm, not hot, water
Hypothermia
- Signs and Symptoms:
- Shivering
- Lack of coordination, stumbling, fumbling hands
- Slurred speech
- Memory loss
- Pale, cold skin
- Treatment
- Move to warm area
- Stay active
- Remove wet clothes and replace with dry clothes or blankets, cover the head
- Drink a warm (not hot) sugary drink
Conclusions:
Employees need to dress appropriately for the work they will be performing and should take breaks as frequently as necessary to warm up inside a building or in a company vehicle. It is a good idea to keep extra clothes in your truck in case the weather changes.