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Ohio Worker Safety

March 8th, 2007 Posted by Amelia

Cold stress poses a significant danger to Ohio worker safety, especially in industries such as agriculture, landscaping, construction, forestry, and roadwork. It’s also a risk in emergency services or any occupation where outdoor work is routine. Hypothermia can be fatal. Cold stress is a milder condition, but it can be a threat nevertheless.

During extremely cold weather, it’s easy to remember to take precautions but even when weather conditions are relatively mild, the weather can still present hazards. Prolonged exposure, especially when wearing wet clothing or in strong wind, can jeopardize a worker’s health and safety even when temperatures climb to 50 degrees.

Wind chill poses a stronger risk than exposure to either cold or wind alone. The wind chill factor is determined by comparing the air temperature to the speed of the wind. For example, on a 40-degree day with the wind blowing at 35 mph, the wind chill is factored at 11 degrees. This means the body will respond to its work environment as if the temperature is actually 11 degrees instead of 40.

Older workers, those taking certain medications, and those suffering from high blood pressure may be at increased risk of cold stress. To minimize the hazardous effects of working outdoors during threatening situations, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advises a worker to move to a warmer area as soon as possible and to stay as active as he or she can.

Wet clothing should be promptly replaced with dry clothing or blankets. Covering one’s head with a hat or scarf will minimize heat loss from the body. OSHA recommends drinking something warm, but not hot, to increase blood flow and invigorate metabolism. Beverages containing alcohol or caffeine, such as tea, coffee, and cocoa are best avoided however as they produce effects in the body that are counterproductive when trying to prevent cold stress.