Winter weather is just around the corner, but did you know
cold stress, or "hypothermia," can occur any time of
year? In fact, most cases of cold stress or hypothermia develop in air
temperatures between 30 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. People who are
exposed to lower temperatures are at risk for injuries ranging
from frostbite to serious loss of body heat which could result in
brain damage or death. This week's Safety Topic
discusses what you can do to protect yourself from cold stress, hypothermia and frost bite injuries.
Dress warmly, in layers. Preserving an air space
between the body and the outer layer of clothing will help retain
body heat. Choose fabrics such as cotton or wool which insulate
but also allow sweat to evaporate. It is especially important to
protect the feet, hands, head, and face. These parts of the body
are farthest from the heart and are the hardest to keep warm.
Almost half your body heat can be lost through the head, so cover
it up as well.
Keep dry. Wetness greatly increases the chance of hypothermia. Always have extra clothing available if there's a chance
you could get wet. Keep your feet dry, they are very susceptible
to frostbite.
Take a break. You may think it's wise to keep on
working in cold temperatures. After all, working makes you break
a sweat and you feel warmer. But if you become fatigued during
physical activity, your body loses its ability to properly retain
heat. This causes rapid cooling which can quickly lead to hypothermia. When you take a break, be sure to replace lost fluids and
calories by drinking warm, sweet, caffeine-free nonalcoholic
drinks and soup.
Eat right. A proper diet provides your body with the
nutrients it needs to withstand chypothermia. A restrictive diet
may deprive your body the ability to work well in cold
temperatures.
Don't work alone. In cold-stress prone environments, a
buddy system should be used. Look out for one another and be
alert for the symptoms of hypothermia and frost bite.
Learn what to look out for. The effects of cold stress
may not be apparent to its victim. The first symptoms of
hypothermia are uncontrollable shivering and the sensation of
cold. The heartbeat slows and may become irregular, and the pulse
weakens. As the condition worsens, severe shaking or rigid
muscles may be evident. The victim may also have slurred speech,
memory lapses, and drowsiness. Cool skin, slow, irregular
breathing, and exhaustion occur as the body temperature drops
even lower. This is a serious condition requiring immediate
medical attention.
Frostbite can occur without accompanying hypothermia.
Frostbite occurs when the fluids around the body's tissues
freeze. The most vulnerable parts of the body are the nose,
cheeks, ears, fingers, and toes. Symptoms of frostbite include
coldness and tingling in the affected part, followed by numbness;
changes in skin color to white or grayish-yellow, initial pain
which subsides as the condition worsens, and possibly blisters.
Frostbite can cause irreversible tissue damage and requires
immediate medical attention.
If you work in lower-temperature environments,
always be alert for the possibility of cold stress. Follow these
guidelines to help protect yourself from injury. Remember, it
doesn't have to be freezing for cold stress to occur. Take steps
to protect yourself.
