750 Introduction to Industrial Hygiene

Temperature Extremes

Cold Stress

Cold stress occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing the internal body temperature to drop. Prolonged exposure to cold can lead to frostbite, trench foot, and the medical emergency hypothermia. Cold stress hazards exist not only outdoors in winter but also indoors in environments such as refrigerated or frozen storage areas.

Early warning signs of cold stress include shivering, numbness, loss of coordination, and fatigue. Severe hypothermia symptoms may include confusion, slow breathing, slurred speech, and loss of consciousness. Workers must be warmed immediately and provided medical help in emergency cases.

Hazards

• Road maintenance, roofing, or framing work performed in snow, ice, or low temperatures increases the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
• Work on boats or docks in cold climates exposes workers to wind chill, wet conditions, and freezing temperatures.
• Employees working in refrigerated or freezer units for extended periods are at risk even in controlled environments.

Controls

• Provide heated shelters or warming stations, install radiant heaters, and use windbreaks to reduce wind chill in outdoor areas.
• Schedule work to minimize time spent in extreme cold, rotate workers in and out of cold environments, and implement buddy systems to monitor for signs of cold stress.
• Provide insulated gloves, thermal layered clothing, waterproof outerwear, insulated boots, and face coverings to protect against wind and cold.

See OSHAcademy course 602 Heat and Cold Stress Safety for tips to protect workers in extreme temperatures.

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