Precautions for Working in Cold Weather Conditions

As the cold weather settles in, many people are preparing for the winter by bundling up and staying indoors. While we’re lucky to avoid the extreme cold experienced in other parts of the country, Central Valley California workers can still be exposed to cold weather conditions that increase the risk of on-the-job injuries.

In order to protect yourself from cold weather injuries, it is important to know what to look for and how to prepare properly. This article will discuss the risks associated with cold weather exposure and provide tips on how to stay safe during the winter months.

Who’s at Risk?

Many people don't realize that even during the coldest months of the year, there is a risk of cold weather injury. In fact, cold weather injuries can occur any time the temperature drops significantly below normal and wind speed increases. Anyone who has to work in a cold environment may be at risk of cold-related illnesses and injuries, or “cold stress.”

Workers who are exposed to the cold during their shifts include those in law enforcement, snow removal, farming, construction, and more. Those workers face greater risks if they're taking certain medication, are physically unfit, or have preexisting conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease.

Depending on the location, various measures must be taken to protect outdoor workers from cold stress. For example, in areas where below-freezing temperatures are rare, employers must provide employees with information about how to properly dress for specific conditions. When the temperature suddenly drops and there is high wind speed, heat leaves the body at a faster rate.

What are the Risks Factors of Cold Exposure?

When cold weather hits, it can be tempting to bundle up and head outside to enjoy the Winter Wonderland. However, cold weather can be dangerous if you're not careful. Here are some of the risks of cold exposure and how to protect yourself:

1. Frostbite: One of the most common cold-weather injuries is frostbite. Frostbite is a cold injury that affects the skin and underlying tissues. It occurs when these tissues are exposed to cold temperatures for a long period of time. The cold weather causes the blood vessels in these tissues to constrict.

This reduces the flow of blood to these tissues and can lead to tissue death. Symptoms of frostbite include numbness, tingling, burning, and pain. In severe cases, frostbite can lead to tissue damage, infection, and even amputation.

2. Hypothermia: Hypothermia is a condition that occurs when the body temperature falls below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. When the body temperature falls too low, the brain begins to malfunction. This can lead to confusion, irrational behavior, and even coma or death. Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, slurred speech, drowsiness, and loss of coordination.

3. 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.

Another big factor for workers in the colder parts of the year is vehicle safety. Winter weather can also be dangerous for drivers. Slippery roads and limited visibility can lead to car accidents. Make sure to take it slow on snowy roads and always wear your seatbelt.

How to Protect Yourself

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

Limit time spent outdoors

• Employees should limit their time outside when it is very cold. Cold jobs should be scheduled for the mildest part of the day, and different workers might have to be delegated to longer jobs.

• To stay warm, take breaks in locations like a car or any other heated and sheltered areas to prevent heat loss.

Wear warm clothing that is right for the weather

• When preparing for winter weather, it is important to pack extra socks, gloves, hats, jackets, blankets, and a change of clothes as well as a thermos of hot liquid.

• Wearing loose clothing in layers will help you retain more body heat than using just one thick layer; you'll be better insulated from the lower temperatures.

• To keep your extremities warm and dry, wear a hat, gloves, and boots.

Be aware of illnesses and injuries caused by cold weather

• Keep an eye on your physical well-being as well as that of your colleagues.

• Respiratory issues and heart conditions can be exacerbated by working in colder weather so be sure to 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.

• Be on the lookout for the telltale signs of hypothermia, frostbite, and other illnesses that can occur in cold weather.

Workers’ Compensation for Cold Weather Injuries

Although OSHA does not have explicit directives for working in colder temperatures, employers are obligated to ensure a healthy work environment for their employees during all seasons. While inclement weather is out of an employer's control, they must still take precautions against possible injuries.

Workers who get hurt because of the cold weather while performing their job duties are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. An experienced workers' compensation attorney will help you protect your interests and ensure that you receive maximum benefits. The team at Cole, Fisher, Cole, O’Keefe + Mahoney can answer your workers' compensation questions, so please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any workers' comp-related needs.

Final thoughts

As cold weather injuries become more prevalent, it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with working in cold environments. Nobody wants to be hurt while on the job, so taking a few simple precautions can help prevent these types of injuries from happening. Stay warm and safe this winter by following our tips for avoiding cold weather injuries!

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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.