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Georgia OSHA Alert on Cold Stress

February 29th, 2008 Posted by Amelia

OSHA has issued a warning about the dangers of Cold Stress for workers, even in moderate climates, just in time for the spring thunderstorm season in Georgia.

On Tuesday, a line of severe thunderstorms hit the Atlanta metro area, causing damage and widespread power outages. CNN reports that several homes were demolished on Smithfield Road near Georgia Highway 100, in Carroll County. The residents were away, so there was no loss of life, according to law enforcement officials.

Two lanes of I-75 south, near Delk Road, were blocked by a downed tree during rush hour, causing extensive delays. The lanes were cleared just after 8 am but the traffic problems continued into mid-day.

According to a Georgia Power spokesperson, nearly 100,000 customers were without power by 8 am. An additional 3,500 in the western part of the state lost power.

Gusts of wind up to 60 mph were reported at Dobbins Air Base.

The weather system moved through the area quickly and by daybreak the worst was over.

OSHA warns that utility workers and emergency responders are particularly vulnerable to Cold Stress during the aftermath of a major storm. They are often working in less than ideal conditions during the clean-up operations.

Many employers do not realize that Cold Stress and even life-threatening hypothermia can occur at temperatures as high as 50 degrees. The dangers of Cold Stress are greatly magnified when working outdoors in wet, windy conditions. Every employer should be aware of this hazard to those who work outdoors, in any occupation.

Workers in a number of industries are prone to Cold Stress, including those who work in agriculture, construction and who resurface roads.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) urges employers to be aware of the hazards of working in cold weather and take appropriate precautions. Employees who work outside or in freezers for extended periods are susceptible to Trench Foot, frostbite, cold stress and hypothermia. Every employer is responsible for establishing cold weather protocols for safety in the workplace.

To aid companies in ensuring safety of their workers, OSHA recommends several common-sense measures.

Proper clothing is of the utmost importance. OSHA standards suggest workers wear at least three layers of clothing. The fabric used in these layers is particularly important. Different fabrics contain different insulating properties and react differently to moisture.

For instance, when cotton gets wet, it loses its ability to insulate. Wool, on the other hand is a good insulator even when completely soaked. Therefore, cotton should be worn as the innermost layer to provide ventilation. Wool, or down, as the next layer will absorb sweat and keep the body warm. The third or outer layer needs to be a material like nylon or Gortex that will keep out the wind.

Proper clothing includes the entire body. Employees should always wear a hat. An exposed head can lose up to 40 degrees of body heat. Feet need to be kept warm, too. Workers should wear boots or insulated footwear, and if they work in wet conditions, the footwear should be waterproof.

While working outside, or inside a freezer, workers should avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine. These substances impede the body’s ability to keep warm. Prescription drugs and smoking cigarettes can also affect the body’s heating system. Workers need to be aware of these effects and dress and behave accordingly.

When employees are working in the cold, they should work in pairs and watch each other for signs of cold stress. Symptoms include confusion, disorientation and irrational behavior. To help avoid cold stress, workers should take frequent breaks in a warm area, such as a heated shelter or warm vehicle. Managers, supervisors and coworkers should all receive training to recognize these signs.