Cold Working Conditions
Cold working conditions can also cause problems for construction workers. For example, rain, snow, sleet and other wet and windy conditions can be unbearable for extended periods of time.
Cold working conditions can also cause problems for construction workers.
The following conditions can occur if a worker is exposed to cold temperatures:
- Frostbite is the freezing of deep skin tissue layers and leads to hardening and numbing of the skin. It usually affects the fingers, hands, toes, feet, ears, and nose.
- Hypothermia occurs when the body's temperature falls below 95 degrees F. The person becomes tired and drowsy, begins to shiver uncontrollably, moves clumsily, and is irritable and confused. As the hypothermia progresses, the victim's speech becomes slurred, his or her behavior may become irrational, and unconsciousness and full heart failure can occur.
Follow these safe work practices when working in cold temperature conditions.
- Seek medical help for cold-related stresses.
- Raise the employee's body temperature in cold-related conditions to prevent the progression of symptoms.
- Schedule work during appropriate times of the day.
- Perform work during the warmer times of the day.
- Use the "buddy" system (work in pairs).
- Do not drink alcoholic beverages in cold weather.
- Drink warm beverages in cold weather.
- Wear appropriate clothing (warm, layered clothing, including hat and gloves). Pay special attention to protecting feet, hands, face, and head. Up to 40 percent of body heat can be lost when the head is exposed.
- Take frequent, short breaks to warm up.
- Avoid exhaustion or overworking, because energy is needed to keep muscles warm.
- Educate employees to recognize and seek medical help for workers that have symptoms of cold-related stresses.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-7. If your co-worker's speech is slurred and behavior is irrational while working on a cold day, which condition should you suspect is the cause?
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