With winter in full swing, many employers will be thinking about how to keep employees healthy in the cold. According to OSHA, cold stress can occur when the body is unable to warm itself. Cold air, water, and snow draw heat from the body's core and can lead to tissue damage or death if not addressed.
While below-freezing conditions and inadequate protection commonly cause cold stress, problems can also occur at higher temperatures—even in the 50s—when rain and wind are present. Employers with outdoor exposures may want to review Winter Weather Insurance as one part of a broader risk-management approach.
Four factors contribute to cold stress: cold air temperatures, high winds, dampness of the air, and contact with cold water or cold surfaces. The most common cold-induced problems are hypothermia, frostbite, and trench foot.
Cold-related conditions
- Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can replace it. When core body temperature drops from the normal 98.6°F to around 95°F, symptoms generally begin, including uncontrollable shivering, weakness, confusion, drowsiness, and pale, cold skin.
- Frostbite occurs when the skin freezes and loses water. Severe cases can require amputation of the frostbitten area. Frostbite usually affects the extremities; the affected part will be cold, tingling, stinging, or aching, followed by numbness. The skin may turn red, then purple, then white, and can be cold to the touch. Blisters can form in severe cases.
- Trench foot, or immersion foot, results from keeping the feet in cold, wet conditions (above freezing) for long periods. It is similar to frostbite but generally less severe; symptoms include tingling, itching, or a burning sensation.
Here are seven cold-weather safety recommendations for employees exposed to the elements on the job. Most apply equally to employees who engage in recreational or other outdoor activities on their own time. For businesses with public spaces or facilities, consider whether Theaters Insurance or similar coverage fits your risks.
Cold weather safety recommendations
- Wear at least three layers of clothing—an outer layer such as GORE-TEX® to break the wind; a middle layer of down or wool to absorb sweat and provide insulation; and an inner layer of cotton or a synthetic weave to allow ventilation.
- Wear a hat. A significant percentage of heat escapes from the head.
- Have a change of dry clothing available in case work clothes become wet.
- Wear loose rather than tight clothing for better ventilation.
- Follow safe work practices when exposed to cold: drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, work during the warmer parts of the day when possible, take breaks out of the cold, work in pairs, and consume warm, high-calorie food.
- Use engineering controls such as radiant heaters, shielding work areas from drafts or wind, and insulating material on equipment handles.
- Be able to identify symptoms of cold-related problems and respond quickly.
If you are unsure which steps or coverages are appropriate for your workplace, discuss options with an insurance professional or talk to an agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are early signs of hypothermia?
Early signs include uncontrollable shivering, fatigue, confusion, and pale, cold skin. If untreated, symptoms can progress rapidly to impaired judgment and loss of consciousness.
How should frostbite be treated on site?
Move the person to a warm area, remove wet clothing, and rewarm the affected area gradually using body heat or warm (not hot) water; seek medical care for severe cases or if blisters develop.
Can cold stress occur even when temperatures are above freezing?
Yes. Cold stress can occur at temperatures above freezing when conditions include wind, wet clothing, or prolonged exposure.
What workplace controls help prevent cold-related injuries?
Administrative controls (scheduling, breaks), proper clothing, working in pairs, and engineering controls like heaters and wind shields all reduce risk.