When major winter storming targeting the Midwest with heavy snow, frigid temperatures and freezing rain, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) calls on area employers to protect workers — especially those working outdoors — from the dangers of cold stress.
Cold temperatures and increased wind speed (wind chill) cause heat to leave the body more quickly, putting workers at risk of cold stress. Anyone working in the cold may be at risk, such as workers in freezers, outdoor agriculture and construction.
The common types of cold stress are:
• Hypothermia
Normal body temperature (98.6°F) drops to 95°F or less.
Mild Symptoms: alert but shivering.
Moderate to Severe Symptoms: shivering stops; confusion; slurred speech; heart rate/breathing slow; loss of consciousness; death.
• Frostbite
Body tissues freeze, such as hands and feet. This can occur at temperatures above freezing, due to wind chill. May result in amputation.
Symptoms: numbness, reddened skin develops gray/white patches, feels firm/hard, and may blister.
• Trench Foot (also known as Immersion Foot)
Non-freezing injury to the foot, caused by lengthy exposure to wet and cold environment. Can occur at air temperature as high as 60°F, if feet are constantly wet.
Symptoms: redness, swelling, numbness, and blisters.
Shoveling snow
Shoveling snow can be a strenuous activity, particularly because cold weather can be taxing on the body. There is a potential for exhaustion, dehydration, back injuries, or heart attacks.
During snow removal in addition to following the tips for avoiding cold stress, such as taking frequent breaks in warm areas, there are other precautions workers can take to avoid injuries.
Workers should warm-up before the activity, scoop small amounts of snow at a time and where possible, push the snow instead of lifting it.
Use proper lifting technique to avoid back and other injuries when shoveling snow: keep the back straight, lift with the legs and do not turn or twist the body.
Preventing slips on snow, ice
To prevent slips, trips, and falls, employers should clear walking surfaces of snow and ice, and spread deicer, as quickly as possible after a winter storm. In addition, the following precautions will help reduce the likelihood of injuries:
• Wear proper footwear when walking on snow or ice is unavoidable, because it is especially treacherous. A pair of insulated and water resistant boots with good rubber treads is a must for walking during or after a winter storm. Keeping a pair of rubber over-shoes with good treads which fit over your street shoes is a good idea during the winter months.
• Take short steps and walk at a slower pace so you can react quickly to a change in traction, when walking on an icy or snow-covered walkway.
For more safety tips, visit OSHA’s Winter Weather page (www.osha.gov/winter-weather).
