When working in construction, being outside for long periods is part of the job. During the winter months, outdoor work can really be a challenge – as sometimes, temperatures can get quite low. These types of working conditions can lead to cold stress since your work environment becomes naturally cooled. There’s usually a lot more wind which can take heat away from your body. Snow and rain can make your clothing wet as well. Cold stress can lead to hypothermia and occurs when internal body temperatures get too cold and the body can’t warm itself. It usually happens slowly – and workers may not even realize they have been affected by the cold weather.
We’d like to share seven tips to help you stay safe – many of them apply whether you are at work or at play.
7 Cold Weather Safety Tips:
1. Listen to the weather forecast
Listen for a wind chill warning
Warnings are based on local climate and are issued when significant wind chills are expected
2. Plan Ahead
Develop a cold weather safety plan in advance to ensure that safety concerns are addressed in colder temperatures or when the wind chill is significant
For example, schools could hold recess indoors, outside workers could schedule warm-up breaks, and those involved in winter recreation could reduce the amount of time they spend outdoors
Ensure warm-up breaks and practices follow and meet all COVID-19 prevention health and safety guidelines, see site supervisor for specific questions
3. Dress Warmly
Dress in layers, with a wind resistant outer layer
When it is cold, wear a hat, mittens or insulated gloves
Keep your face warm with a scarf, neck tube or face mask
Wear warm and waterproof footwear
When it is very cold, or when the wind chill is significant, cover as much exposed skin as possible
Your body’s extremities, such as the ears, nose, fingers and toes lose heat the fastest
For construction workers, ensure that your layers don’t interfere with your PPE (personal protective equipment)
4. Seek Shelter
When the wind chill is significant, get out of the wind and limit the time you spend outside
Develop a work/rest cycle to help fight off the effects of cold weather
5. Stay Dry
Wet clothing chills the body rapidly
Remove outer layers of clothing or open your coat if you are sweating
6. Keep Active
If you are working outside or must be out in the elements, walking or running will help warm you by generating body heat
7. Be Aware
Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia – see below for more information
Some people are more susceptible to the cold, particularly children, the elderly, those with circulation problems , and those with previous cold weather injuries
The use of alcohol, tobacco and certain medications will increase your susceptibility to cold
Hypothermia
Being cold over a prolonged period of time can cause a drop in body temperature. Watch for shivering, confusion and loss of muscular control (e.g., difficulty walking). Warning it can progress to a life-threatening condition where shivering stops or the person loses consciousness; and cardiac arrest may occur. What to do if you notice symptoms for yourself or others you are with:
Get medical attention immediately
Lay the person down and avoid rough handling, particularly if the person is unconscious
Get the person indoors
Gently remove wet clothing
Warm the person gradually and slowly, using available sources of heat
Frostbite
A more severe condition, where both the skin and the underlying tissue (fat, muscle, bone) are frozen. Skin appears white and waxy and is hard to the touch. No sensation – the area is numb or tingling. What to do if you notice symptoms for yourself or others you are with:
Frostbite can be serious, and can result in amputation. Get medical help!
Do not rub or massage the area
Do not warm the area until you can ensure it will stay warm
Warm the area gradually; use body heat, or warm water (99°-104°)
Avoid direct heat which can burn the skin.
For job site cold weather safety incidents, please be sure to always report to your supervisor and the safety department.. If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. As with any serious or life-threatening condition, seek immediate medical help by dialing 911.