Fall Prevention and Protection 1926.500 Subpart M

The Facts on Cold Weather• Most cold weather injuries affect extremities such as hands, feet,

fingers or toes. Extremities are most often affected by cold weather because they are relatively far away from the core or center of the body. Due to their distance from the body’s core, they do not receive as much blood flow as other parts of the body. Extremities are also thinner than other body parts and because of this, lose heat faster.

• Cold weather injuries do not necessarily occur only in freezing temperatures. Cold weather injuries are known to occur even when temperatures range from 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The two factors responsible for causing injuries when temperatures are above freezing are wind chill and dampness.

• A wind chill factor is the effect of moving air in cold weather. Moving air removes heat faster than air that is still. Thus, wind chill makes the overall temperature feel colder than it actually is. Wet, damp weather conditions contribute to injury because the presence of water removes heat 240 times faster than air.

Gallagher Bassett • Technical Services Division 2850 Golf Road, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

P: 800.984.8847 • F: 630.818.2564 • www.gbriskcontrol.com

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Cold Weather Hazards

The winter season can be very beautiful. It can also give a great deal of pleasure to winter sports enthusiasts. However, this same season can bring health problems and cause physical injury. In this bulletin, you will find ways to keep yourself safe while enjoying the season:

» Know the facts

» Effects of overexposure

» Cold weather safety precautions

Cold Weather Injuries

Trench Foot

Trench foot is a condition that affects the feet. When feet are exposed to cold water for an extended period of time, they become cold and numb. When feet are removed from the exposure and brought back to normal temperature, blisters may develop that become red and feel hot.

First aid for trench foot:

• Elevate the feet and gradually warm them.

• Do not break the blisters.

• Seek medical care as soon as possible.

Chilblains

Chilblains occur on areas of exposed skin and are red in color, swollen, and feel itchy, hot and tender. Chilblains can occur almost anywhere on the body and are caused by prolonged exposure to cold weather. They are a chronic condition and can reoccur.

First aid for chilblains:

• Cover the affected area(s).

• Seek medical care as soon as possible.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a cooling of the entire body that can be fatal. The first symptoms of hypothermia include severe, uncontrollable shivering, followed by numbness, drowsiness and difficulty performing simple tasks. As hypothermia progresses, shivering subsides and the victim’s breathing and pulse rate begin to slow. Eyesight then begins to fail and the victim becomes uncoordinated leading to unconsciousness.

First aid for hypothermia:

• Seek medical care immediately.

• Move the victim to a warm environment.

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COLD WEATHER HAZARDS

Frostbite

Frostbite occurs when temperatures are below freezing and portions of the body actually freeze. Ice crystals form inside the victim’s skin and destroy tissues, killing the affected part of the body. Frostbite most commonly occurs on the cheeks, ears, fingers and toes.

First aid for frostbite:

• Seek medical care immediately.

• Move the victim to a warm environment and begin warming the affected area(s).

• When treating frostbite, do not rub the injured area. This will cause severe damage to the affected tissue.

Cold Weather Safety Precautions• Regular work boots may not provide enough thermal protection. Wear

several pairs of socks and insulated waterproof boots when necessary.

• Make sure socks and other items of clothing are not too tight. Tight clothing restricts blood flow which reduces the amount of body heat going to the affected area. Wear several layers of loose, bulky clothing to provide better insulation against cold weather.

• Follow your organization’s work rules about length of exposure to cold weather and keep yourself as warm as possible. Periodically, move to a warm location and drink only warm fluids.

• Carry cold weather survival gear to the jobsite when necessary, including such items as blankets, change of socks, gloves and a thermos of hot liquid.

• Do not touch cold metal surfaces with bare skin.

• Grease and oil can get thick and hard in cold weather. Sometimes moveable parts of equipment will stick and it will be necessary to heat the equipment before it will work. Follow your organization’s procedures and use proper tools for warming up equipment before operating.

• Tools often become brittle during cold weather. Treat them with care or they may snap off, causing injury.

The information contained in this report was obtained from sources which to the best of the writer’s knowledge are authentic and reliable. Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc. makes no guarantee of results, and assumes no liability in connection with either the information herein contained, or the safety suggestions herein made. Moreover, it cannot be assumed that every acceptable safety procedure is contained herein, or that abnormal or unusual circumstances may not warrant or require further or additional procedures.