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Cold Stress
Introductory Comments
What constitutes cold stress and its effects can vary across different areas of the country. In regions that are not used to winter weather, near freezing temperatures are considered factors for “cold stress.”
Cold stress occurs by driving down the skin temperature, and
eventually the internal body temperature. When the body is unable to warm itself, serious cold-related illnesses and injuries may occur, and permanent tissue damage and death may result. Types of cold stress include: (www.OSHA.gov).
• Immersion/Trench foot
• Frostbite
• Hypothermia
Meeting Start Question
• What is Cold Stress?
• How can cold stress be prevented?
• What are three types of cold stress?
Critical Safety Point
Cold temperatures force your body to work harder and use more energy to maintain it’s temperature. Blood flow shifts from outer extremities to your core and that increases the risk of fros-tb1te afld hypothermia. Both frostbite and hypothermia can lead to amputation and death.
lmmersion/Trenchfoot
Trench foot is a non-freezing injury of the feet caused by prolonged exposure to wet and cold conditions. It can occur in temperatures as high as 60°F if feet are constantly wet. Injury occurs because wet feet lose heat 25-times faster than dry feet.
Frostbite
Frostbite is caused by the freezing of the skin and tissues. Frostbite can cause permanent damage to the body, and in severe cases can lead to amputation. The risk of frostbite is increased in people with reduced blood circulation and among people who are not dressed properly for extremely cold temperatures.
When injuries happen, employees should alert their manager. The manager or manager on duty reports injuries to Sedgwick at 1-877-576-1911.