Cold Weather Hazards and Mitigation

1. PPT-SM-CWW 2016
Working in cold weather
can expose workers to
environmental cold injuries
Hundreds of workers report
cases involving days away
from work caused by
exposure to
environmental cold
each year
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2. PPT-SM-CWW 2016
Environmental cold can
affect any worker,
especially those who work
outdoors and are involved
in support activities for oil
and gas operations
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3. PPT-SM-CWW 2016
Environmental cold puts workers at risk
of cold stress and slips, trips, and
falls caused by icy and snow-covered
surfaces
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4. PPT-SM-CWW 2016
Cold stress happens when your body
cannot regulate its temperature
First your skin temperature drops, then
your core body temperature
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5. PPT-SM-CWW 2016
There are several different types
of cold stress, including
• Hypothermia
• Frostbite
• Trench foot
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6. PPT-SM-CWW 2016
Hypothermia happens when
your body temperature drops
to less than 90°F
Symptoms include uncontrolled
shivering, loss of coordination
and slurred speech, and
slow breathing and heart
rate
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7. PPT-SM-CWW 2016
Frostbite happens when your
skin and tissues freeze
Symptoms include reddened skin
with gray or white patches on
the fingers, toes, nose, or
ear lobes
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8. PPT-SM-CWW 2016
Trench foot affects your feet
when they are exposed to wet
and cold conditions for a long
period of time
Symptoms include reddened
skin and tingling, pain, and
swelling
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9. PPT-SM-CWW 2016
Certain factors put you at
higher risk of cold stress,
such as
• High wind speeds
• Working in wet or damp
environments
• Dressing improperly for the
weather
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10. PPT-SM-CWW 2016
Health problems like
hypertension,
hypothyroidism, and
diabetes can also put you
at higher risk
Exhaustion and poor
physical fitness may
also increase your risk
of cold stress
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11. PPT-SM-CWW 2016
Companies must help prevent
cold stress by training workers
on
• How to recognize the
environmental and
workplace conditions that
can lead to cold stress
• The symptoms of cold stress,
how to prevent it, and what
to do to help affected
workers
• How to select proper
clothing for cold,
wet, and windy
conditions
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12. PPT-SM-CWW 2016
Workers can prevent cold stress
by monitoring themselves and other
workers for cold stress symptoms
• Uncontrolled shivering
• Loss of coordination, slurred
speech, and confusion
• Slow breathing and heart rate
• Reddened skin and blisters
• Gray or white patches in the
extremities
• Tingling, pain, swelling, or
numbness
• Leg cramps
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13. PPT-SM-CWW 2016
Wear the right clothes for
cold weather work
• At least three layers of
loose fitting clothing
• An insulated coat or jacket
• A knit mask to cover your
face and mouth
• A hat that covers your ears
• Insulated gloves
• Insulated, waterproof
boots
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14. PPT-SM-CWW 2016
To prevent slips, trips, and
falls, clear snow and ice
from walking surfaces
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15. PPT-SM-CWW 2016
When walking on snow or ice, wear
insulated and water resistant boots or
rubber over-shoes with good rubber
treads
Take short steps and walk at a slower
pace
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16. PPT-SM-CWW 2016
When working at elevated
heights during cold weather
• Plan ahead for safe snow
removal
• Wear fall protection
• Make sure ladders are used
safely
• Clear snow and ice from
surfaces
• Use extreme caution when
working near power lines
• Take steps to prevent
harmful exposure to
cold temperatures
and overexertion
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17. PPT-SM-CWW 2016
Remember, prepare for cold
weather work
• Be alert for symptoms of cold
stress
• Dress appropriately and stay
dry
• Use engineering controls, safe
work practices, and PPE
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