WHAT IS COLD STRESS?
Cold stress occurs when the body must work harder to maintain its
normal temperature due to freezing conditions. As the skin cools,
internal temperature drops and the body draws blood away from the
extremities to keep the vital organs in the torso warm.
WHO IS AT RISK FOR COLD STRESS?
•
When geographical locations that are unaccustomed to near-
freezing temperatures experience these circumstances, workers are
at risk of cold stress. The likelihood of increasing wind speeds in
these areas poses an even greater threat of cold stress.
•
People with health conditions such as hypertension, hypothyroidism,
diabetes and those who are in poor physical condition are at higher
risk for cold stress injuries.
•
Workers that are exposed to wet or damp conditions in freezing or
near-freezing temperatures are also at risk for cold stress injuries.
KNOW THE CONSEQUENCES OF COLD STRESS:
•
When the body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, the result
is a dangerously low body temperature. When body temperature
falls below 95°F, hypothermia sets in and the heart, nervous system,
respiratory system and other organs begin to shut down.
•
When the skin and underlying tissue are exposed to cold conditions,
frostbite can occur. Frostbite is most common on exposed fingers,
toes, ears and areas of the face and can cause permanent damage.
•
When feet are exposed to cold, wet conditions for too long, blood
flow is restricted and the tissue begins to break down, increasing
the risk of open sores and infection.
COLD STRESS:
WHAT TO LOOK FOR AND HOW TO CHOOSE
THE RIGHT GEAR FOR YOUR TEMP ZONE
SIGNS OF A
COLD STRESS
EMERGENCY
SHIVERING
FATIGUE
DROWSINESS
DISORIENTATION
COLD, TINGLING,
STINGING OR
ACHING IN AREAS,
FOLLOWED BY
NUMBNESS
SKIN BEGINS
TURNING FROM
RED TO PURPLE
TO A WHITE OR
PALE COLOR