Cold-related illness and injury prevention program
Workers exposed to the stress of environmental cold — both indoors and outdoors — can lead to thermal discomfort and even severe injuries, illnesses or death.
Employers should implement a cold-related illness and injury prevention program. The program should include preventive measures, such as using engineering controls, establishing work and rest schedules, training workers about the hazards of working in cold environments, and providing appropriate cold-weather gear.
Hypothermia Symptoms and First Aid Serious health problems can occur when the body is unable to stay warm enough. Early symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, fatigue, loss of coordination, confusion and disorientation. Late symptoms include no shivering, blue skin, dilated pupils, slowed pulse and breathing and loss of consciousness.
If hypothermia is suspected, medical assistance should be requested immediately. Call 911. Begin first aid:
- Move the worker to a warm room or vehicle.
- Remove wet clothing.
- Cover the body with loose, dry blankets, clothing or towels.
- Provide warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the worker is conscious.
If the worker has no pulse, CPR should be provided and continued during the warming attempts, until the person responds or medical aid becomes available.
Source: NIOSH
