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Safety Bulletin: BRRR… Winter Health Conditions!!!

As winter bears down on use for another year, we need to be prepared for the health conditions associated with colder air and water temperatures. Exposure to cold can cause injury or serious illness such as frostbite or hypothermia. There are many factors that contribute to these types of injuries or illnesses such as physical activity, clothing, wind, humidity, working conditions and a persons prior health conditions. Below are some basic tips for staying safe in cold weather.

• Dress appropriately for the conditions. Remember the air temperature doesn't need to be below 32 degrees to cause hypothermia or frostbite. Wind causes dangerous cold to the body.
• Dress in layers so that you can adjust to changing temperatures.
• Wear a stocking cap or covering over your head. You lose most of you body heat through your head.
• Wear something covering your hands.
• Wear insulated and water proof boots to help prevent from frostbite and hypothermia.
• Get out of wet cloths and warm your body temperature.
• Do not drink caffeine drinks to warm the body, Warm the body by wrapping a blanket around you and drink warm fluids.

If any of your co-workers have the following symptoms for hypothermia or frostbite, seek immediate medical attention:

Hypothermia: confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering.
Frostbite: gray, white and yellow skin discoloration, numbness, and waxy feeling skin.

OSHA Cold Card

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