Our last blog focused on 5 hazards to think about to keep your employees safe this winter. Let’s take some time to dive into one such hazard, cold stress, and how to keep those employees that have to face the weather as part of their job as safe as possible.
According to OSHA, cold stress occurs by driving down the skin temperature, and eventually the internal body temperature. When the body is unable to warm itself, serious cold-related illnesses and injuries may occur, and permanent tissue damage and death may result. Types of cold stress include trench foot, frostbite, hypothermia, and chilblains.
This winter, take steps to protect yourself and your workers from the frigid outdoors!
- Keep an Eye on the Weather and Your Team– if it’s going to be harsh out there, supervisors should take extra precautions to keep their employees safe. Shorter shifts, radiant heaters and work areas shielded from the wind, check on them regularly, and if too bad and you are able to, call it a day! Know the signs of cold stress – and make sure your employees know as well, so everyone can keep an eye on each other.
- Stay hydrated! Yes, it seems strange, but the body still loses moisture in cold weather, so make sure your workers are drinking, as long as it’s water or a sports drink for electrolytes. Stay away from alcohol as it is actually a diuretic and can cause dehydration.- plus not something one should be drinking on the job!
- Keep clothing loose and dry – tight clothing can reduce blood circulation, so wear loose-fitting clothing in multiple layers. If possible, wear moisture-wicking apparel, which can help keep the body dry by “wicking” away any perspiration or water from the body, keeping it dry.
- Have an extra set of clothes and a blanket handy - it is very important to stay dry, so that dry shirt and pants, along with socks and gloves, could be a lifesaver if employees were to get wet
- Cover your head and feet! Research shows that 10% of your body’s heat loss occurs from your head, so wearing a winter hat or hood can help retain heat – as well as protect those ears! Also very important is keeping toes warm and dry as frostbite or trench foot are serious consequences. Shoes should be waterproof and insulated – keeping your feet as dry as possible! And if they become wet, change out socks and shoes.
Keep you and your workers safe this winter!
