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Georgia Worker Safety

February 14th, 2007 Posted by Amelia

The weather has warmed slightly in recent days, but that doesn’t mean Georgia outdoor workers are out of danger. Did you know that cold stress and hypothermia can occur at temperatures as high as 50 degrees, if the weather is windy or wet? That’s why OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, wants to get the word out: outdoor workers can be at risk for cold-related injury, even in warm, sunny climates.

According to OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, it’s vital that everyone be aware of the risks that outdoor work imposes to Georgia 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.

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.

We think of frostbite as something that happens to artic explorers, but it turns out many workers get frostbite every year. Frostbite occurs when the skin actually freezes and loses its water. It’s most common on fingers, toes, ears, nose and other small, exposed areas. In severe cases, amputation of the frostbitten area may be required. While frostbite usually occurs when the temperatures are 30° F or lower, wind chill factors can allow frostbite to occur in above freezing temperatures. At first, the affected body part will be cold, tingling, stinging or aching. This is followed by numbness. Skin color turns red, then purple, then white, and skin is cold to the touch. There may be blisters in severe cases.

Do not rub the frostbitten area to warm it. Wrap the area in a soft cloth, and move the worker to a warm area. Call an ambulance or contact medical personnel immediately. Do not leave the worker alone. If help is delayed, immerse the affected area in warm but not hot water that is a maximum of 105 degrees. Do not pour water on affected part. If there is a chance that the affected part will be exposed to cold again, do not warm it. Warming and refreezing an area will cause severe tissue damage.

Cold stress is a less serious form of hypothermia. It can occur to anyone working in a cold environment, but is more likely to strike older people. As we age, the body heats less efficiently. Certain medications may interfere with the body’s ability to produce heat. These include anti-depressants, sedatives, and tranquilizers. Individuals with high blood pressure may also be at greater risk for cold stress. Treatment includes moving to a warm area and staying active. Remove wet clothing and replace them with dry clothes or blankets. Cover the head. Drinks that are warm but not hot increase metabolism and raise internal temperature. However, avoid drinks like coffee, tea or cocoa that contain caffeine or alcohol. For severe cases, take these steps and call an ambulance.

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, wager and snow draw heat from the body.

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.