602 Heat and Cold Stress Safety

Cold Stress and Safety

Introduction

Anyone working in a cold environment may be at risk of cold stress. Some workers may be required to work outdoors in cold environments and for extended periods, for example, snow cleanup crews, sanitation workers, police officers and emergency response and recovery personnel, like firefighters, and emergency medical technicians.

When the body is unable to warm itself, cold related stress may occur. Cold stress occurs by driving down the skin temperature and eventually the internal body temperature (core temperature). Over time, your body will begin to shift blood flow from your extremities (hands, feet, arms and legs) and outer skin to the core areas (chest and abdomen). This allows exposed skin and the extremities to cool rapidly and increases the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Combine this with cold water, and trench foot may also be a problem. This may lead to serious health problems, and may cause tissue damage, and possibly death.

Risk factors that contribute to cold stress include:

• Cold air temperatures,
• high velocity air movement,
• wetness/dampness of the air,
• dressing improperly,
• exhaustion or poor physical conditioning, and
• predisposing health conditions (e.g., hypertension, hypothyroidism, and diabetes)

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