Safe Working in Cold Weather Conditions

With cold weather on its way, we put together some basic guidelines for safe working in cold weather conditions.

Accidents are more likely to occur in cold working conditions due to:

  1. Cold impairing the performance of complex mental tasks;
  2. Cold impairing the performance of manual tasks  (reduced sensitivity of fingers);
  3. Reduced mental alertness due to cold-related discomfort;
  4. Dangerous ground and other surfaces` (steps, ladders, etc) conditions.

Health effects and symptoms of exposure to cold:

Frostbite is caused by exposure to extreme cold or by contact with extremely cold objects. It occurs when tissue temperature falls below the freezing point or when blood flow is obstructed. In mild cases, the symptoms include inflammation of the skin in patches accompanied by slight pain. In severe cases, there could be tissue damage without pain, or there could be burning sensations resulting in blisters. Frostbite skin is highly susceptible to infection and gangrene may develop.

Hypothermia is the most severe cold injury which occurs from excessive loss of body heat. Hypothermia can be fatal. Hypothermia can be mild (minor shivering), moderate (violent shivering, difficulty speaking, mild confusion, etc) and severe (inability to walk, pulse and respiration rate decrease, unconsciousness).

Prevention of the adverse effects of cold:

  1. Take 10 minutes break every two hours in a warm location. Take an extended break (e.g. lunch break) every four hours in a warm location. Take off the outer layer of clothing so that perspiration can evaporate from the clothing.
  2. Pace your work to avoid excessive sweating.
  3. Always know who is your first aider and/or how to summon help.
  4. Use buddy system while working in freezing conditions, look out for one another and be alert for the symptoms of hypothermia – see above.
  5. Sitting or standing still for prolonged periods should be avoided.
  6. Balanced meals and adequate liquid intake is essential to maintain body heat and prevent dehydration. Note that caffeinated drinks contribute to dehydration.

Clothing:

  1. In snowy icy conditions, wear your safety shoes and anti-slip shoe covers even at the front of site. Only use paths and walkways that are gritted, where possible.
  2. Protect toes, fingers, ears and nose – these areas are at greatest risk because they do not have major muscles to produce heat.
  3. Protect eyes – if not protected in chill conditions, the corneas may freeze. Always wear your safety glasses/goggles.
  4. Prevent contact of bare skin with cold surfaces.
  5. Wear clothing in multiple layers which provide better protection than a single thick garment.
  6. For work in wet conditions, the outer layer of clothing should be waterproof.
  7. A wool knit cap or a liner under a hard hat can reduce excessive heat loss.
  8. Have extra socks available so you can dry your feet and change socks during the day.

Stay safe this winter and look after your staff!