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Arizona Worker Safety

February 14th, 2007 Posted by Amelia

Colder temperatures are in the news this week – are you prepared? Most workers are aware that freezing temperatures can present a severe hazard to those working outside. However, many do not realize that even when the temperature is 50 degrees, workers can be at risk for cold-related illness or injury if they are working in wet or windy conditions.

According to OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, it’s vital that everyone be aware of the risks that outdoor work imposes to Arizona worker safety. Many workers continue to spend most of the day outside in the winter. This includes workers in agriculture, landscaping, construction, forestry and roadwork. Emergency workers may be particularly prone to the hazards of outdoor work.

When the body is unable to warm itself, cold stress is the result. Cold stress can result in damage. If left untreated, it can even result in death. Four factors combine to produce cold stress. These are cold air temperatures, wind, dampness and contact with cold water or chilly surfaces. In a cold environment, the body must work harder to maintain a healthy temperature. Cold air, water and snow draw heat from the body.

Wind chill is the combination of air temperature and wind speed. It’s a much more accurate index of the risk posed to workers, than temperature alone. For example, if the outdoor temperature is 40 degrees and the wind speed is 35 mph, the wind chill is 11 degrees. This means that exposed skin reacts to the temperature exactly as if it were 11 degrees outside.

Even in moderate temperatures of 50 degrees, wind and wet can combine to cool the body too much. As the body begins to cool, more energy is used to keep the internal temperature warm. Over time, the body will begin to shift blood flow from the extremities (hands, feet, arms, and legs) and outer skin to the core, the chest and abdomen. This allows exposed skin and the extremities to cool rapidly and increases the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. When this is combined with cold water, trench foot may be the result.

One of the most common signs of cold stress is Trench Foot, a malady first observed in soldiers in the trenches during World War I. Trench Foot results from having feet immersed in cold water at temperatures above freezing for long periods of time. It is similar to frostbite, but considered less severe. Symptoms usually consist of tingling, itching or burning sensation. Blisters may be present. Treat Trench Foot by soaking feet in warm water and the wrapping with dry cloth bandages. Also, drink a warm, sugary beverage to increase all-over body temperature.