COLD WEATHER Workers who are exposed to extreme cold or work in cold environments may be at risk of cold stress. Extreme cold weather is a dangerous situation that can bring on health emergencies. Whenever temperatures drop decidedly below normal and as wind speed increases, heat can more rapidly leave your body. Extended exposure to freezing or cold temperatures can result in health problems such as trench foot, frost bite and hypothermia. Danger signs include uncontrolled shivering, slurred speech, clumsy movements, fatigue, and confused behavior. Preventing Injuries Caused by Cold Weather & Safe Work Tips: • Encourage workers to wear properly clothing for cold, wet and windy conditions. • Layer clothing to adjust to changing temperatures. • Wear a hat and gloves, in addition to underwear that will keep water away from the skin. • Use the buddy system; work in pairs of that one worker can recognize danger signs. • Drink warm, sweet beverages (sugar water, sports-type drinks) and avoid drinks with caffeine (coffee, tea, sodas, or hot chocolate) and alcohol. • Remember, workers face increased risk when they take certain medications, are in poor physical condition, or suffer from illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension or cardiovascular disease. • Make sure to protect your ears, face, hands an feet in extremely cold weather. • Boots should be insulated and waterproof. • Wear a hat; it will keep your whole body warmer. • Move into warm locations during work breaks; limit amount of time outside. • Avoid touching cold metal surfaces with bare skin. • Include a thermometer and chemical hot packs in your first aid kit.

1. COLD WEATHER
Workers who are exposed to extreme cold or work in cold environments may be at risk of cold
stress. Extreme cold weather is a dangerous situation that can bring on health emergencies.
Whenever temperatures drop decidedly below normal and as wind speed increases, heat can
more rapidly leave your body.
Extended exposure to freezing or cold temperatures can result in health problems such as
trench foot, frost bite and hypothermia. Danger signs include uncontrolled shivering, slurred
speech, clumsy movements, fatigue, and confused behavior.
Preventing Injuries Caused by Cold Weather & Safe Work Tips:
• Encourage workers to wear properly clothing for cold, wet and windy
conditions.
• Layer clothing to adjust to changing temperatures.
• Wear a hat and gloves, in addition to underwear that will keep water away
from the skin.
• Use the buddy system; work in pairs of that one worker can recognize
danger signs.
• Drink warm, sweet beverages (sugar water, sports-type drinks) and avoid
drinks with caffeine (coffee, tea, sodas, or hot chocolate) and alcohol.
• Remember, workers face increased risk when they take certain medications,
are in poor physical condition, or suffer from illnesses such as diabetes,
hypertension or cardiovascular disease.
• Make sure to protect your ears, face, hands an feet in extremely cold
weather.
• Boots should be insulated and waterproof.
• Wear a hat; it will keep your whole body warmer.
• Move into warm locations during work breaks; limit amount of time outside.
• Avoid touching cold metal surfaces with bare skin.
• Include a thermometer and chemical hot packs in your first aid kit.