labor lawAdivision of labor law center

Utah worker safety is threatened by two major problems in winter weather. They are cold stress and trench foot.

Cold stress, simply described, is the body’s inability to stay warm. Trench foot, which many contemporary workers have probably never heard of, gets its name from World War I, when the problem was first noted. Soldiers in that war spent a great deal of time in trenches, and their feet would be soaking in cold water during much of that time. The situation resulted in burning, blisters, and itching of the feet. While it resembles frostbite, trench foot is not quite as severe.

An alert was issued by the Utah office of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, warning about the dangers of both trench foot and cold stress in the workplace.

Some of the problems related to the dangers of cold can be traced to the wind chill factor. As most people know, wind chill is a phrase that describes the way wind speed affects temperature. As the speed of the wind increases, the lower the wind chill temperature will be. Human skin does not read thermometers. It reacts to the wind chill factor, regardless of what the thermometer’s temperature may say.

There are steps that can be taken to avoid cold stress. One of the most important is to dress warmly, in layers, with inner layers that fit closely. It is best to cover up the extremities, particularly the head, as well. Staying dry is a significant step, because coming in contact with cold water makes it extremely difficult for the body to hold its normal temperature. Employees should also take breaks often, in a warm area.

If mild cold stress occurs, it is relatively easy to treat. Move the sufferers to a warm place and keep them warm and active. Damp clothes should be removed. Give them warm liquids. Caffeine drinks such as coffee, tea, or cocoa, however, should be avoided because they actually slow the warming process.

If the cold stress is severe, call an ambulance promptly. Medical professionals will know what care to provide.

Utah Cold OSHA

Cold temperatures can pose dangers to outdoor workers, and OSHA has offered some common-sense steps involving appropriate clothing and safe work practices. Employers should make plans for the cold weather.

Some of the dangers of cold at outdoor worksites include frostbite, trench foot, and hypothermia.

It is wise for employers to supply cold-weather clothing to the employees who work outdoors or in freezers for long periods. Fabric is important, because cotton loses its insulating powers when it is wet. Wool, on the other hand, will insulate even when soaked.

Three layers of clothing are recommended by OSHA. Starting with the inner layer closest to the body, this should be cotton or synthetics for ventilation. The middle layer should be down or wool to offer insulation and absorb sweat even when it is wet. Finally, the outer layer should be nylon to act as a windbreaker.

Loose clothing provides better ventilation and insulation. Dry clothes should be available in a warm place in the event work clothing becomes soaked through. Insulated boots or footwear should be worn. In wet conditions, use waterproof boots. A hat is essential because as much as 40 degrees of body heat can be lost when the head is not covered.

Safe practices include training employees and supervisors to recognize the signs of cold stress. Employees should work in a “buddy system” and watch each other for those signs, which include irrational behavior, disorientation, and confusion. Urge workers to drink lots of liquids, but alcohol and caffeine should be avoided. Both limit the body’s ability to fight cold, as does smoking. Some prescription drugs have the same effect.

Schedule work for the warmest part of the day, and include more work breaks where possible. The breaks should be in a heated shelter or vehicle. Employees should eat warm food that is high in calories. Pasta is a good choice. Use radiant heaters to keep work areas worm. A temporary shelter will cut drafts and wind, lowering wind chill dangers. Use insulation to cover metal handles on equipment, particularly if temperatures go below 30 degrees.

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