It’s quickly approaching the time of year when workers need to be cautious while working outside in cold weather conditions. There are certain jobs that require employees to work outside or in unheated buildings, and workers need to protect themselves from cold stress injuries.
Anyone is susceptible to cold stress injuries, but older workers who suffer from heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure should be especially cautious. Cold-related injuries can occur during temperatures as high as 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit if a person is not used to working for long periods of time in these temperatures.
Below are suggestions to help employees stay as safe as possible in cold working conditions.
- Dress in at least three layers of clothing, according to OSHA. Loose fitting clothes trap warm air better than tight fitting clothes.
- Wear the proper type of fabric. Your inner layer of clothing should be made of wool, synthetic material or silk. These materials provide insulation even if they become wet. Wear appropriate outer materials that will protect you from wind and rain.
- Protect your head and extremities. Gloves, headgear and boots are necessary. The head is extremely vulnerable to heat loss, so wearing a hat is important. Toes and fingers are highly susceptible to frostbite, so put on insulated and waterproof boots and gloves.
- Keep extra clothes on hand. If you get wet on the job, it’s crucial to have extra clothes to change into in order to stay warm and dry.
- Don’t work alone. This is true of many jobs, but especially in cold temperatures; work in teams or pairs.
A few other tips include:
- Drink warm and sweet beverages
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine
- Eat warm, high calorie foods (such as pasta)
Stay warm out there!