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Arkansas OSHA Warning on Cold Stress

February 7th, 2008 Posted by Amelia

Despite global warming, winter can still be a dangerous time for outdoor workers in Arkansas. Cold stress is a danger for outdoor workers, especially emergency responders. It can strike at temperatures as warm as 50 degrees.

That’s why OSHA recently issued a Cold Stress warning for Arkansas employers.

That fact was brought home recently when tornados touched down in Atkins, Arkansas on February 5. An Atkins man and his wife, plus their young daughter were killed when a tornado hit there home. In addition, two deaths were reported in Conway county, two in Izard county and one each in Pope, Van Buren, Baxter and Stone counties.

A spokesperson for Governor Mike Beebe, Matt DeCample, said up to 30 members of the Arkansas national guard were sent to Pope County to aid in recovery efforts and provide security.

Unsubstantiated reports by amateur radio operators allege that a tornado hit the hospital in Mountain View, closing the emergency room.

According to the Pope County sheriff’s office, emergency crews went from door to door in cold, wet and windy weather to alert residents to the danger. Power lines blocked traffic into and out of Atkins, while utility workers worked to clear the lines in this small Central Arkansas town along the Arkansas River.

The Baxter County sheriff’s office reported debris blocking Highway 62, including portions of houses destroyed by the tornados. The town was evacuated due to possible gas leaks.

About 46,000 customers were without power in the wake of the tornadoes, many of them in and around Russellville, Arkansas. Other affected areas include Jacksonville and adjoining areas.

The American Red Cross had set up shelters at schools and civic centers in the area, to permit residents to get out of the cold and rain, and prevent cold stress.

When tornados combine with cold and wet weather, the results can be life-threatening to national guard members and others who must help.

Cold stress, hypothermia and frostbite are among the dangers workers face when they’re out in the cold. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is issuing some tips to employers and employees in Arkansas and elsewhere on how to cope with these problems.

Just what is “cold stress”? It’s what happens when the body is incapable of warming itself. As it gets colder, it calls on more energy simply to keep a normal so-called “core” temperature, and the body must work harder. That draws blood away from the outer extremities like the arms, legs, and feet. They face frostbite - particularly the fingers, nose and ears. Cold stress is related to hypothermia. It’s a less serious form of it, but can be life-threatening as well.

Some people are at higher risk for cold stress than others. Older employees, for example, face a marked problem because as we get older, our bodies are less efficient at staying warm. People who must take certain medications are also at risk. Those medications include anti-depressants, tranquilizers, and sedatives.

Here are some simple tips for reducing the risk of cold stress and other cold-related problems. Dress appropriately in layers. Avoid becoming wet, especially if it’s windy. Take breaks in a warm area frequently if possible,, particularly indoors or in a heated vehicle. If that can’t be done, take a break out of the wind and drink warm beverages. By the way, caffeine and alcohol should be avoided because they make the body less efficient at warming itself. Drink warm, but not hot, drinks like cocoa and broth. And eat warm food rich in carbs.

And don’t think that, just because the temperature “feels” warm, there’s no danger. OSHA’s warning points out that trouble can result even when temperatures are up to 50 degrees.