The cold-stress equation

Here is some information on staying safe in freezing temperatures. OSHA has published an easy-to-understand guide to the "cold-stress equation," which you can find here. At a quick glance, you can learn the the risks of working in specific cold temperatures.

The following Q&A is from the OSHA booklet, which will help you to better understand these risks.

Frostbite—What happens to the body:

• Freezing in deep layers of skin and tissue; pale, waxy-white skin color; skin becomes hard and numb; usually affects the fingers, hands, toes, feet, ears and nose.

What should be done:

• Move the person to a warm, dry area. Don’t leave the person alone.
• Remove any wet or tight clothing that may cut off blood flow to the affected area.
• Do not rub the affected area; rubbing causes damage to the skin and tissue.
• Gently place the affected area in a warm (105 F) water bath and monitor the water temperature to slowly warm the tissue. Don’t pour warm water directly on the affected area because it will warm the tissue too fast causing tissue damage. Warming takes about 25-40 minutes.
• After the affected area has been warmed, it may become puffy and blister. The affected area may have a burning feeling or numbness. When normal feeling, movement and skin color have returned, the affected area should be dried and wrapped to keep it warm. Note: If there is a chance the affected area may get cold again, do not warm the skin. If the skin is warmed and then becomes cold again, it will cause severe tissue damage.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Hypothermia—What happens to the body:

• Normal body temperature (98.6 F) drops to or below 95 degrees; fatigue or drowsiness; uncontrolled shivering; cool bluish skin; slurred speech; clumsy movements; irritable, irrational or confused behavior.

What should be done:

• Call for emergency help (i.e., ambulance or call 911).
• Move the person to a warm, dry area. Don’t leave the person alone. Remove any wet clothing and replace with warm, dry clothing or wrap the person in blankets.
• Have the person drink warm, sweet drinks (sugar water or sports-type drinks) if they are alert.
• Avoid drinks with caffeine (coffee, tea, or hot chocolate) or alcohol.
• Have the person move their arms and legs to create muscle heat. If they are unable to do this, place warm bottles or hot packs in the arm pits, groin, neck and head areas. Do not rub the person’s body or place them in warm water bath. This may stop their heart.

How to protect workers:

• Recognize the environmental and workplace conditions that lead to potential cold-induced illnesses and injuries.
• Learn the signs and symptoms of cold-induced illnesses/injuries and what to do to help the worker.
• Select proper clothing for cold, wet and windy conditions. Layer clothing to adjust to changing environmental temperatures. Wear a hat and gloves, in addition to underwear that will keep water away from the skin (polypropylene).
• Avoid exhaustion or fatigue because energy is needed to keep muscles warm.
• Drink warm, sweet beverages (sugar water, sports-type drinks). Avoid drinks with caffeine (coffee, tea or hot chocolate) or alcohol.
• Eat warm, high-calorie foods like hot pasta dishes.