Web Extra: Keeping workers safe in cold weather
4 Jan, 2008 By: Landscape Management Staff LM Direct!For those landscape companies that are doing work outside in cold weather this winter, the American Industrial Hygiene Association has a number of suggestions on keeping workers safe in extreme temperatures.
What to Wear
Many of the most useful measures to protect oneself from the cold are commonsense. Don't wait for an unpleasant experience to err on the cautious side; select proper clothing for cold, wet, or windy conditions. Employers should have extra insulated clothing available when temperatures drop unexpectedly below 40ºF. Layer clothing to adjust to changing environmental temperatures. Wear a hat and gloves in addition to polypropylene underwear that will keep water away from the skin. Take frequent short breaks in a warm, dry shelter to allow the body to warm up, and perform work at the warmest part of the day. Use the buddy system, and avoid exhaustion or fatigue because energy is needed to keep muscles warm. Drink warm, sweet beverages such as sugar water and sports drinks, but avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol. Prepare for the cold with a warm, high-calorie meal, such as pasta.
Who's at Risk
Certain workers are more at risk of distress from cold exposure than others. These include individuals with predisposing health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension. Also at greater risk are workers who are in poor physical condition, have a poor diet, are older, or those who take certain medications. However, all workers can be at risk of frostbite and even hypothermia if the conditions are right but preparations were not.
Warning Signs of Frostbite
These are the warning signs of frostbite - deep layers of skin and tissue begin to freeze and the skin becomes hard and numb; its color is pale or waxy white. The fingers, hands, toes, feet, ears, and nose are most typically affected by frostbite.
If frostbite is suspected, move the person to a warm, dry area and keep watch. It's very important not to rub the affected area because rubbing will cause damage to the skin and tissue. Remove wet or tight clothing that may cut off blood flow. Gently place the affected area in warm (105°F) water. Monitor the water temperature to warm the tissue slowly for approximately 25 to 40 minutes. Don't pour warm water directly on the affected area because it will warm the tissue too quickly causing tissue damage. After the area is warmed, it may have a feeling of burning or numbness and may be puffy and blister. When normal feeling, movement, and skin color return, dry the affected area and wrap to keep it warm. Do not allow the skin to get cold again as this will cause severe tissue damage, and of course, get medical attention as soon as possible.
Work Smart in the Cold
Regardless of how cold conditions become, usually, work can continue in a healthy and safe environment so long as one recognizes the environmental and workplace conditions that lead to potential cold-induced illnesses and injuries. This requires a work force that is properly trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of cold-induced medical issues and what to do to help the worker if problems should occur.
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