Although we discuss heat injury prevention in these Safety Talks several times each year, we are in the middle of winter now and heat-related injuries are the furthest thing from anyone’s mind. In fact, right about now most of us who work outdoors are longing for hot weather again.
Sure, cold weather is uncomfortable, but cold temperatures can cause more issues than simple discomfort. Lower temperatures can reduce both the dexterity and the sensitivity of the hands. It may, at times, cause a worker to grip a tool more tightly, which restricts blood flow. When vibration is added to the equation, the effects are magnified. To compound the problem, our bodies are designed to regulate our body’s core temperature (the temperature of our body’s torso). One way it does that is that in cold temperatures, blood flows away from our extremities to maintain our core temperature, and this causes there to be less blood flow in the hands and feet.
One of the biggest dangers of working in the cold is Hypothermia. Ironically it can also be the hardest to recognize. Hypothermia happens when your body temperature drops because body heat is being lost faster than it can be produced. Mild hypothermia can make you feel confused, and you may not realize anything is wrong until it is too late. Being too cold can also cloud your judgment and cause you to make mistakes while you work, and when working on a roof mistakes can sometimes be deadly.
Frostbite is another cold-weather injury. Frostbite happens when a part of the body freezes, damaging the tissue. With severe damage, the body part may need to be removed to prevent even worse health problems. Warning signs of frostbite include numbness or tingling, stinging, or pain on or near the affected body part.
It may seem simplistic, but the first step towards preventing cold-weather injuries is simply to be aware that cold temperatures can lead to injuries. If you work outdoors, monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers, and immediately report signs and symptoms of cold-related illnesses and injuries to your supervisor.
The next step towards preventing cold-weather injuries is to be prepared. Be prepared by wearing warm clothing. If you are going to work in the cold, wear warm clothing that is right for the weather. Wear several layers of loose clothing, as layering provides better insulation. Wear gloves to protect your hands, and a hat and/or hood to protect your head. In wet conditions, wear waterproof shoes that have good traction. Make sure that your cold-weather gear does not restrict your movement or block your eyesight.
The third step toward preventing cold-weather injuries is to limit your exposure. On extremely cold days, you may need to limit your time outside, or at least try to perform all outdoor work during the warmest part of the day.
DISCUSS WITH YOUR CREW
- Does anyone on the crew know someone who has suffered from hypothermia, frostbite, or some other cold-weather injury? (if so, what did that person learn from it?)
- If there is anyone who does not have clothing that is appropriate for the cold weather in which we might be working, let your supervisor know.
- Does anyone have any tips or tricks for layering clothing, or a particular type of glove or hat to wear in cold weather?