This article was first published by the NationsBuilders Insurance Services and is republished here with permission of the authors. © 2018 NationsBuilders Insurance Services, Inc. (NBIS)
By Bill Smith
As summer gives way to fall, and fall inevitably gives way to winter, employers need to begin preparing for the risks associated with colder weather – namely: cold stress. Cold stress occurs when skin temperature drops, thereby causing the internal body temperature to plummet. 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: trench foot, frostbite, and hypothermia.
Environmental cold
Environmental cold can affect any worker exposed to cold air temperatures and puts workers at risk of cold stress. Depending on where in the country you operate, your workers may be expected to work outdoors, in cold environments, and for extended periods of time. These cold environments force the body to work harder to maintain its internal temperature, so whenever external temperatures drop below normal, heat can leave your body more rapidly.
Another factor that causes heat to leave the body more rapidly is an increase in wind speed, also known as the wind chill effect. Wind chill, which is determined by combining air temperature and wind speed, is how cold it actually feels. As wind speed escalates, it causes cold air to feel even colder, increasing the risk of cold stress to exposed workers. For example, when the air temperature is 40°F, and the wind speed is 35 mph, the effect on exposed skin is as if the air temperature was 28°F.
Of course, what constitutes extreme cold and its accompanying effects can vary across differing areas of the country. For example, in regions that are not used to winter weather, near-freezing temperatures are considered “extreme cold.” In other areas, “extreme cold” might be defined as temperatures that drop below zero. Regardless, it’s important for employers to do everything they can to ensure their workers don’t suffer the effects of cold stress.
Preventing cold stress
Although OSHA does not have a specific standard that covers working in cold environments, under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) of 1970, employers have a duty to protect workers from recognized hazards, including cold stress hazards, that are causing, or likely to cause, death or serious physical harm in the workplace. OSHA does, however, provide a Cold Stress Guide to assist employers in identifying risk factors It can be found here: www.osha.gov/SLTC/emergencypreparedness/guides/cold.html.
Employers should train workers to recognize the environmental and workplace conditions that can lead to cold stress. This includes training workers to identify the symptoms of cold stress, ways to prevent cold stress, and what to do to help those who are affected by cold stress. Worker should also be trained in how to select proper clothing for cold, wet, and windy conditions.
Furthermore, employers should also: monitor workers’ physical conditions; schedule frequent short breaks in warm dry areas to allow the body to warm up; schedule work during the warmest part of the day; use the buddy system (work in pairs); provide warm, sweet beverages; avoid drinks with alcohol; and provide engineering controls such as radiant heaters.
When it comes to the perils of cold weather, a little preparation goes a long way. Understand the risks of cold stress and be sure to do everything in your power to ensure your employees do to.
Safety tips for workers
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Your employer should ensure that you know the symptoms of cold stress.
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Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers.
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Dress properly for the cold.
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Stay dry in the cold because moisture or dampness, e.g. from sweating, can increase the rate of heat loss from the body.
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Keep extra clothing (including underwear) handy in case you get wet and need to change.
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Drink warm sweetened fluids (no alcohol).
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Use proper engineering controls, safe work practices, and personal protective equipment (PPE) provided by your employer.
Contact your Risk Management partners at NBIS for more information on safety plans for your employees. #BetterInsurance #NBIS
(Source: www.nbis.com/blog/uncommon-cold)
In his role as Executive Vice President, Billy manages the relationship NBIS has with a number of industry associations and oversees various sales and marketing, claims, risk management, loss prevention, safety awareness, and accident investigation tasks. Billy was one of the primary innovators of the NBIS Risk Management Support System (RMSS), and he and his recognized team of experts have helped establish NBIS’s reputation as an industry leader.
Billy is a well-known figurehead and thought leader who has been published many times over in magazines such as American Cranes and Transport, International Cranes and Specialized Transport, Crane Works, and Lifting and Transportation. He has also been acknowledged in the book, “Crane and Derricks,” and is a widely sought-after public speaker.
About NationsBuilders Insurance Services, Inc.
NationsBuilders Insurance Services, Inc., “NBIS,” a Delaware corporation headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is a leading provider of risk management products and services to commercial heavy equipment operators across 50 states.As a full-service provider program, we deliver custom program insurance options to agents/brokers, reinsurance support to our partners, claims adjusting/claims investigation and risk management tools to all parties involved to achieve lowest cost outcomes for our customers.
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