Working in the Cold
Our toes, fingers, ears and nose are at greatest risk when working in the cold. Mental alertness is also reduced.
Acceptable temperatures vary by jurisdiction.
Learn more about working in the cold: https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/phys_agents/cold/cold_working.html
Cold stress injuries and illnesses
- Chilblains – Small patches of swelling or redness on fingers and toes after cold exposure.
- Immersion foot or trench foot – Feet are wet or cold for a long time, causing tingling, numbness, itching,
pain, swelling, and blisters.
- Frostnip – The skin’s top layer freezes, turning white, numb and hard, but deeper tissue feels normal.
- Frostbite – Numbness, patches of skin inflammation and slight pain when tissue temperature falls below 0°C
or from contact with cooled liquids. Severe cases can cause tissue damage without pain, burning sensations,
and blisters.
Hypothermia
- The most severe cold illness
- An excessive loss of body heat that can be fatal
- Early symptoms: shivering, fatigue, loss of co-ordination
- Onset symptoms: slow and shallow breathing, blue skin, loss of reflexes
- Move workers to a heated shelter
- Seek medical attention immediately
Tips for Employers
- Choose equipment with thermal insulating materials and tools that can be operated with gloves.
- Provide training on symptoms, safe work practices, re-warming procedures, proper clothing practices, and
what to do in case of cold stress.
- Encourage workers to watch for symptoms in others.
- Outline emergency procedures and always have one trained person available.
- Monitor temperatures and give workers time to become accustomed to conditions.
- Adjust work pace to prevent workers from becoming too cold or too sweaty.
The Right Personal Protective Equipment
- Layers of warm, loose-fitting clothing
- A wind-resistant outer layer
- A hat with ear protection, mittens or insulated gloves, scarf or face mask
- Insulated waterproof footwear and wool socks