By: Husna Rizwan
When the body is unable to warm itself, the cold-related stress may result in tissue damage & possibly death. 4 factors contribute to cold stress, cold air temperatures, high velocity air movement, dampness of the air & contact with cold water or surfaces.
How Cold Is Too Cold?
Workers who must be outdoors in below zero weather conditions certainly are at risk of injury or even death. A cold environment forces the body to work harder to maintain its temperature. Cold air, water & snow all draw heat from the body. The most common problems faced in the cold are hypothermia, frostbite & trench foot.”Appropriate preventive measures must be taken to protect those who must be outside.
Here are some tips:- 1.) Plans for work in cold weather. Wearing appropriate clothing & being aware of how your body is reacting to the cold are important to preventing cold stress. Avoiding alcohol, certain medications & smoking can also help minimize the risk.
2.) Protective clothing is the most important way to avoid cold stress. The type of fabric even makes a difference. Cotton loses its insulation value when it becomes wet. Wool, silk & most synthetics, on the other hand, retain their insulation even when wet. Here are some clothing recommendations for working in cold environments:Wear at least 3 layers of clothing. An inner layer of wool, silk or synthetic to wick moisture away from the body. A middle layer of wool or synthetic to provide insulation even when wet. An outer wind & rain protection layer that allows some ventilation to prevent overheating. Layering provides better insulation. Do not wear tight-fitting clothing.Wear a hat or hood to help keep your whole body warmer. Hats reduce the amount of body heat that escapes from your headWear insulated boots or other footwear.Keep extra clothing (including underwear) handy in case you get wet & need to change.Do not underestimate the wetting effects of perspiration. Often, wicking & venting of the body’s sweat & heat are more important than protecting from rain or snow.With proper planning & training, everyone can keep their themselves safe during winter work.
