Cold stress is just as dangerous as heat stress. Awareness is key. Being informed about the dangers of cold stress and the importance of breathing warm air can help save lives and keeps workers warm, comfortable and productive.
Adria Hardy
When we鈥檙e young we take in a lot of tall tales鈥攐therwise known as misinformation.听 One of them is the idea that cold air causes the common cold. Even though the common term for being sick (having a 鈥渃old鈥�) comes from the belief that weather can cause illness, we鈥檙e eventually smart enough to know that these are infections caused by bacteria and viruses.
Effect of Cold Temperatures on the Body
Still, extreme cold temperatures can affect the body in a number of ways. These include dehydration, numbness, shivering, frostbite, immersion foot (trench foot) and hypothermia. As you can see, effects can be both local and systemic.
Shivering is the first and most common symptom. It鈥檚 also the most often ignored. When the body drops below 98.6 degrees, blood begins to flow away from extremities and towards the core. This results in the immediate cooling of exposed skin and extremities and increases the risk of cold stress, specifically hypothermia. If body temps continue to fall, dexterity decreases and speech may be slurred. At 85 degrees Fahrenheit, severe hypothermia sets in which can result in unconsciousness. And at 78 degrees or below, the body is at maximum risk for brain damage and even death if not treated immediately.
Prone to Cold Stress
While risks are, of course, highest in colder regions, in areas where the seasons change less drastically, workers are often less prepared, and it can only take near freezing temperatures to trigger the onset of cold stress. Individuals who are more prone to cold stress than others include those who are:
- Not physically fit
- Living with an underlying condition or illness (those with asthma or other respiratory ailments are particularly at risk)
- Under the influence of alcohol or drugs (illegal or prescription)
- Working in wet or damp conditions
- Exposed to vibration from tools
- Working without proper personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Not acclimated to the cold
Protection from the Cold
Employers can help protect workers from cold stress through several means. They should provide training, control the work environment with heaters and windbreaks; establish worker rotations; schedule work during the warmer hours of the day and times of the year; remind workers to pace themselves; and always keep emergency supplies on hand.
Equally important, workers in cold conditions should take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the cold, including wearing proper PPE and being aware of cold stress warning signs. The CDC recommends the following safety tips for employers and workers:
- Train employees for the cold and changing weather
- Use a buddy system
- Adjust work schedules to the cold or changing weather
- Eat and drink hot or warm foods and liquids
- Layer clothing (water vapor permeability is important)
- Wear proper PPE including insulated footwear, headwear (winter liners, balaclavas or knit caps), and warming packs.
Bottom line: Cold stress is just as dangerous as heat stress. However, with its sneaky symptoms, it often goes undetected until it鈥檚 too late. Awareness is key. Being informed about the dangers of cold stress and the importance of breathing warm air can help save lives and keeps workers warm, comfortable and productive.
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Adria Hardy is the product manager of Ergodyne鈥檚 Elements Pillar of products. Her main mission is protecting workers from the elements through training, education, and the development of crafty, effective product solutions.Since 1983, Ergodyne has pioneered the development of safety products that Make The Workplace A Betterplace鈩�. What started with just one product has grown into a line of top flight, battle-tested, Tenacious Work Gear庐; all precision crafted to provide protection, improve productivity, and manage the elements for workers on jobsites the world over. The current lineup is extensive and constantly growing including: Hand Protection, Knee Pads, Supports, Footwear Accessories, Cooling Products, Warming Products, Hi-Vis Apparel, Lanyards, Equipment Storage Systems, Performance Work Wear, Portable Work Shelters and Head Protection.For more information, call (800) 225-8238 or (651) 642-9889 or visit .
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