Preventing Cold Weather Injuries at Work

While we’re lucky to avoid the extreme cold experienced in other parts of the country, Central California workers can still be exposed to cold weather conditions that increase the risk of on-the-job injuries. 

Who’s at Risk?

Anyone who has to work in a cold environment may be at risk of cold-related illnesses and injuries, or “cold stress.” Workers who may not be able to avoid working outdoors in cold weather could include police officers, snow cleanup crews, sanitation workers, farmers, construction workers, and many others. Workers face increased risks when they take certain medications, are in poor physical condition or suffer from illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease.

For outdoor workers, what constitutes cold stress and its effects can vary across different parts of the country. In regions where workers are unaccustomed to winter weather, near freezing temperatures are considered factors for cold stress. Whenever outdoor temperatures drop significantly below normal and wind speed increases, heat more rapidly leaves the body.

What are the Risks of Cold Exposure?

These weather-related conditions may lead to serious health problems:

Hypothermia means your body can no longer sustain internal warmth. Symptoms may include shivering, slurred words, and confusion. Provide warmth immediately to prevent severe damage.

Frostbite is the freezing of parts of the body, most commonly fingers and toes. Numbness, tingling, and aching are symptoms of frostbite. Provide warmth quickly, but avoid massaging or walking.

Trench Foot is a non-freezing syndrome caused by prolonged exposure to cold and wet conditions. Tingling, swelling, numbness and blisters are the most common symptoms. Remove wet layers and provide warm, dry conditions as quickly as possible.

How to Protect Yourself

When cold environments cannot be avoided, workers should follow these recommendations to protect themselves from cold stress:

Wear warm clothing that is right for the weather

• Wear several layers of loose clothing; layering provides better insulation.

• Protect your ears, face, hands, and feet by wearing a hat and waterproof gloves and boots.

• Carry cold-weather gear, such as extra socks, gloves, hats, jackets, blankets, a change of clothes, and a thermos of hot liquid.

Limit time spent outdoors

• Take breaks in warm locations, such as inside a vehicle or other sheltered or heated area.

• Workers may also need to limit their time outside on extremely cold days, so cold jobs should be scheduled for the warmest part of the day and relief workers may need to be assigned for long jobs.

Be aware of illness and injuries caused by cold weather

• Pay attention to warning signs and symptoms of hypothermia, frostbite, and other cold-related illnesses and injuries.

• Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers.

• Immediately report signs and symptoms of cold-related illnesses and injuries to a supervisor or medical personnel.

• Tell your supervisor if you are not dressed warmly enough.

Workers’ Compensation for Cold Weather Injuries

OSHA does not have specific regulations for working in cold conditions, but it does require employers to create a safe working environment for their employees, even in winter weather conditions. While they cannot control the weather, employers must take all reasonable steps to prevent cold weather injuries,

Workers who suffer from a cold-related injury in the course of performing their job duties are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. It’s important to have an experienced workers’ compensation attorney by your side to protect your interests and ensure that you receive maximum benefits.

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Cole, Fisher, Cole, O’Keefe + Mahoney is Central California’s leading workers’ compensation and social security disability law firm. With over 30 years of successful experience, we are committed to securing maximum benefits for our clients in the Fresno, California area. Schedule a free consultation today.