A cold weather kit should include emergency blankets, candles, and matches. Working in Cold Weather. Hypothermia, frostbite, trench foot and chilblain are all examples of illnesses that can be caused by extremely cold or wet weather whenever temperatures drop. If you're working outdoors this winter, be aware of the dangers and stay safe. Working outdoors can be challenging, and increases risks to your safety. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep to stay alert on the job when conditions are more dangerous. Anyone who works outside on a regular basis knows - at some point or another - you’re going to experience cold and wet weather conditions. Your workplace must have measures in place manage the risks to your health and safety cause by exposure to cold weather, including: providing heating, for example cab heaters providing protection, such as a hut or the cabin of a vehicle providing warm and waterproof clothing, and Working in cold conditions isn’t just uncomfortable, it can be dangerous. Working in Cold Weather Working outside in cold, wet, icy, or snowy conditions can lead to serious health problems such as hypothermia and frostbite. A candle burning in a vehicle could provide enough warmth to ward off hypothermia for a period of time. 2 0 obj Cold Stress: Working Safely in Cold Weather - Safety Training … The hazards. Cold stress illnesses include hypothermia, frostbite, trench foot, and chilblains. Wear appropriate clothing. Working in cold temperatures can cause the hands and feet to become cold and painful. • Dress properly; wear at least three layers of loose-fitting clothing, insulated gloves and boots, and cover your head. Wear gloves and a warm wool hat or a helmet liner under the hard hat because 40 percent of a person’s body heat can be endobj While working in cold, a buddy system should be used. You may notice signs including fatigue, drowsiness, uncontrolled shivering, cold bluish skin, slurred speech, clumsy movements, and even confusion. Train staff to recognize cold weather conditions and potential hazards. Weekly Safety Meeting; January 25, 2015; Working in Cold Weather . Protecting your body by dressing appropriately for cold weather is... 2. x���n�F�݀�a��f���606q�&�[��6��v��%�"L� In this article, we're looking at 6 tips for staying safe in the cold. Dressing in layers is key, as it not only keeps you warm but allows you to adjust to changing temperatures. When working outdoors in the cold weather, you need to keep your safety in mind. The following resources contain information that can help you work safely in cold weather. Dehydration causes headaches, dizziness and fatigue, and it’s important to stay alert outdoors. Below are the top cold weather safety tips for outdoor workers. The type of injury suffered will depend upon how low the temperature reaches in any given environment, ranging from skin conditions, cardiovascular problems and respiratory diseases. Before you work outdoors in cold weather conditions, make sure that you’re well prepared. What is ‘cold’? stream <> Wear a moisture-wicking base layer to draw away sweat as you work. <> This is a gradual process. Best Practice for Cold Weather Awareness Introduction: Construction workers laying natural gas pipelines (general construction work, repair work and maintenance) can be exposed to extreme conditions. As wind speed increases, it causes the air temperature to feel even colder, increasing the risk of cold stress to exposed workers, especially those working outdoors, such as recreational workers, snow cleanup crews, construction workers, police officers and firefighters. If you are working outside in cold conditions, you could be vulnerable to cold stress, which could result in frostbite or hypothermia if you are not prepared for the cold environment. Cold is experienced when the body is in circumstances that deplete the body’s heat and potentially reduce its core temperature to unsafe levels. <>/ExtGState<>/XObject<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/Annots[ 11 0 R 19 0 R 25 0 R 26 0 R 27 0 R 28 0 R 31 0 R 32 0 R 33 0 R 35 0 R] /MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> For example, radiant heaters may be used to warm workplaces like outdoor security stations. endobj Provide Engineering Controls. Safety Focus – Working in Cold Weather Conditions The most common causes of hypothermia are exposure to cold weather and immersion in cold water. These weather-related conditions may lead to … Engineering Controls for Cold Weather. 201 - 1523 East Pender St., Vancouver, BC, V5L 1V9 +1 888-975-2563©2021 Tsunami Solutions Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Cold water immersion, which cools the body 25 times faster than cold air Fatigue, which makes it harder for the body to create heat The risks Cold stress can lead to hypothermia. Tweet. Hypothermia can set in when your normal body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Wear Hi-Viz or Heated Gear. The layers should fit loosely because … Extreme cold weather is a dangerous situation that can bring on health emergencies in susceptible people, such as those without shelter, outdoor workers, and those who work in an area that is poorly insulated or without heat. Frostbite, numbness, dehydration and hypothermia are real concerns from chilly outdoor weather. When working in cold weather, employers and workers should take simple precautions, such as those listed below: Wear several layers of clothing rather than one thick layer. If you’re on the road, make sure to take a cold weather safety kit. Keep a cold weather safety kit in your vehicle. Exposure to cold can result in cold stress which can lead to serious trouble, such as frostbite, hypothermia, and even death. Exposed skin increases the risk of frostbite. Eating enough food during the day, especially fats and carbohydrates, is also important. Click here! It's not just the cold and slipperiness that increases risk in winter; it's … The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 1996 require employers and contractors to take measures to protect the health and safety of the employees who must work outdoors in the cold weather. Along with air temperature, wind and moisture can create issues for employees working in the cold. %���� Plan warm-up times throughout your day to avoid numbness and shivers. If you’re on the road, make sure to take a cold weather … Cold weather brings increased dangers for those working in the elements, with cold, wet and windy conditions increasing slip hazards and also having the potential to cause frost bite, hypothermia and trench foot. Regularly inspect walking surfaces and replace or recoat any flooring that shows signs of wear and … Guidelines on Working in Cold Conditions Re-endorsed by Annual Conference 2009 . What constitutes cold stress and its effects can vary across different areas of the country. Subscriber Agreement | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy. 3 0 obj I�u�~ϙ�lɜ1ez�6 ��9������>�$�/cD�p��yL�����w�<>"o~!o߾����B����������<>z�#���9�C(�e$H�/���$�KX��ED���#J�շ�����ѯ���\����#���9�F�u�Q?>У!�"�G!�T�Q���e����m�z�?�[��$I��D#ёP]�"��3V�g. Proper gloves, socks and footwear are essential. It’s more important than ever to stay dry in the cold. 1 0 obj Water, including sweat, can displace body heat 25 times faster than dry air, according to the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety. If workers feel cold, their bodies are likely losing heat faster than … <>>> Increased safety dangers working in cold weather. This document provides general work practices and standards for working in cold temperatures including cold injury risk factors and warnings signs. Dress in Silk, Wool or Synthetic Clothing. Workers and supervisors involved with work in cold environments should be informed about symptoms of adverse effect exposure to cold, proper clothing habits, safe work practices, physical fitness requirements for work in cold, and emergency procedures in case of cold injury. Environmental cold can affect any worker exposed to cold air temperatures and puts workers at risk of cold stress. Weekly Safety Meeting – Working In Cold Weather. This happens to people who get too cold, and their body is unable to warm itself. Working in cold environments poses a risk of injury to several groups of employees, including those working in the construction, food and agricultural industries and the armed services. Before using ladders, ensure that they are completely free of ice, snow and other materials that may … endobj Cold Stress: Working Safely in Cold Weather - Safety Training Video - YouTube. Make sure to drink enough fluids, as you dehydrate faster in cold weather conditions. Choose headwear that keeps your head and ears warm. Wear waterproof gear as an outer shell to prevent your under layers from getting wet. Fingers and toes are the first to get cold and then shivering sets in – a distraction that could result in an incident. Remove any wet clothing immediately. Experienced workers usually know the best clothing to wear for their jobs. Likewise, wind can blow away the body’s protective external layer of heat. Follow these work practices to stay safe in cold weather: • Know the symptoms of cold stress; reddening skin, tingling, pain, swelling, leg cramps, numbness, and blisters. Cold stress HSE does not have specific guidance for working in cold environments where temperatures are below 13°C. Tips for Working Safely in Cold Weather Backed by Science 1. Feeling cold is the most important warning sign to note. It’s important to get ahead of the cold weather and make sure your workers are properly trained to recognize and treat weather related incidents. Workers who are exposed to extreme cold may be at risk of cold stress. One of the main risks that workers should be aware of is cold stress. Balaclavas can also help to warm your neck and warm the air you’re breathing. #2 – Working in the Cold Weather [SIGNS OF COLD STRESS] There are risks of working outside for a living – especially in the winter months in colder climates. First Aid for Hypothermia When working outdoors in cold weather conditions, the risk for hypothermia rises. This winter weather preparedness list is taken from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration website.. Join 60,000+ safety professionals for industry news and safety tips. Because it happens slowly, workers may not realize they are in danger until it's too late. For more ways to get your vehicle ready for winter, read "How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter." To ensure worker safety, employers should implement cold weather health and safety programs, including cold weather engineering controls and employee training. %PDF-1.5 Damp clothing can quickly drop your body temperature. 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