OSHA OFFERS TIPS TO
PROTECT WORKERS IN COLD ENVIRONMENTS
Working in cold environments can be dangerous. More than 700 people
die of hypothermia each year in the United States. To help protect
workers in cold environments, OSHA reminds employers and workers to
take simple precautions, such as those listed on OSHA's Cold Stress
Card
Prolonged exposure to freezing or cold temperatures can result in
health problems such as trench foot, frostbite and hypothermia. When
the body is unable to warm itself, serious cold-related illnesses and
injuries may occur, and permanent tissue damage and death may result.
Employers and workers in construction, commercial fishing, maritime
and agriculture need to take precautions and learn how to prevent and
treat cold-related disorders. Death can result very quickly in cases
of cold water immersion.
Hypothermia can occur when land temperatures are above freezing or
water temperatures are below 98.6 F or 37 C (normal body temperature).
Cold-related illnesses can slowly overcome a person who has been
chilled by low temperatures, brisk winds or wet clothing. Danger signs
include uncontrolled shivering, slurred speech, clumsy movements,
fatigue and confused behavior. If these signs are observed, call for
emergency help.
OSHA's Cold Stress Card provides recommendations that can prevent
many illnesses and injuries. Available in English and Spanish, this
laminated fold-up card is free to employers to distribute to their
workers. It offers a quick reference about frost bite and hypothermia,
including warning signs and prevention tips:
How to Protect Workers
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Recognize the environmental and workplace conditions that lead
to potential cold-induced illnesses and injuries.
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Learn the signs and symptoms of cold-induced illnesses/injuries
and what to do to help workers.
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Train workers about cold-induced illnesses and injuries.
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Encourage workers to wear proper clothing for cold, wet and
windy conditions. Layer clothing to adjust to changing
environmental temperatures. Wear a hat and gloves, in addition to
underwear that will keep water away from the skin (polypropylene).
-
Be sure that workers take frequent short breaks in warm dry
shelters to allow the body to warm up.
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Try to schedule work for the warmest part of the day.
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Avoid exhaustion or fatigue because energy is needed to keep
muscles warm.
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Use the buddy system -- work in pairs so that one worker can
recognize danger signs.
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Drink warm, sweet beverages (sugar water, sports-type drinks)
and avoid drinks with caffeine (coffee, tea, sodas or hot
chocolate) or alcohol.
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Eat warm, high-calorie foods such as hot pasta dishes.
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Remember, workers face increased risks when they take certain
medications, are in poor physical condition or suffer from
illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension or cardiovascular
disease.
For free copies of OSHA's Cold Stress Card in English or Spanish,
click on OSHA's website, www.osha.gov,
then Newsroom, followed by Publications. Fill out the order form
online, and fax your request to Publications at (202) 693-2498. You
can also call (202) 693-1888 or write to: U.S. Department of
Labor/OSHA, OSHA Publications, P.O. Box 37535 Washington, D.C.
20013-7535.
Wind chill chart
In using the table below, values of wind chill below -10° F are
considered bitterly cold. Values of wind chill below -20° F are
extremely cold - human flesh will begin to freeze within one
minute.
Wind speeds above 40 mph have little additional chilling
affect.
