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OSHA 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 has reminded 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 98.6ºF or 37ºC (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 frostbite and hypothermia, including warning signs and prevention tips:
- Recognize the environmental and workplace conditions that lead to potential
cold-induced illnesses and injuries
- Learn the signs and symptoms of cold-induced illnesses/injuries and what
to do to help workers
- Train workers about cold-induced illnesses and injuries.
- Encourage workers to wear proper clothing for cold, wet and windy conditions.
Layer clothing to adjust to changing environmental temperatures. Wear a had
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.
- Try to schedule work for the warmest part of the day. Avoid exhaustion or
fatigue because energy is needed to keep muscles warm. ? Use the buddy system
? work in pairs so that one worker can recognize danger signs.
- Drink warm, sweet beverages (sugar water, sports-type drinks) and avoid
drinks with caffeine (coffee, tea, sodas or hot chocolate) or alcohol.
- Eat warm, high-calorie foods such as hot pasta dishes.
- 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.
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