Cold weather doesn’t stop construction, so it’s time to for a refresher in important winter safety basics:

Inspect and Clear Job Sites 

• Clear all snow and ice from walking and working surfaces, including walkways, roofs, skylights, scaffolding and ladders.
• Stress the importance of fall safety protection to workers when icy conditions exist. Put down salt or sand to melt icy patches and improve traction, and consider the use of ice traction cleats. 
• Make sure icy areas that can’t be cleared are marked and instruct workers to slow down and take shorter steps, especially when carrying materials and tools.
• Remove icicles or cordon off areas to prevent workers from accidentally breaking them loose and creating falling object hazards. 

Watch the Weather 

The last thing you want is a construction site full of stranded workers. Give everyone adequate time to secure the construction site and get home safely before severe weather strikes. 

Provide a Heated Break Area 

• People expend more energy when working in cold weather.  As temperatures plummet, keep a careful watch on the crew for signs of hypothermia and frostbite. Make sure they’re wearing appropriate clothing and encourage them to take frequent breaks to warm up. Provide a heated trailer, tent or indoor area.
• Limit exposure to the elements by encouraging frequent breaks to rest and warm up, drink warm, non-caffeinated liquids and change out of wet clothing. This is a good time to check workers for signs of fatigue, frostbite or hypothermia.
• Limit consumption of caffeine, nicotine, and other stimulants as this increases heart rate, causing people to feel warmer than they actually are.
• If using portable heaters in break areas, make sure to properly vent the area and consider CO sensors to monitor carbon monoxide exposure. 

Proper PPE 

It’s time to break out that cold weather personal protection equipment, including:

• Liners: Worn with hard hats, these make a big difference.
• Gloves: These are a must, especially when climbing ladders, scaffolding or getting onto construction equipment. Frostbite can occur immediately if extremely cold metal is touched with bare hands.  Replace gloves in which insulation has packed out.
• Waterproof boots with non-slip soles: Insulated boots with composite toe caps should be considered for work in cold weather. Change out wet or damp socks. Provide heat packs that can be inserted into boots and gloves.  
• Goggles, safety glasses and facemasks: Treat with anti-fog spray to prevent vision from being obstructed.
• Personal fall arrest systems: Adjust to fit over bulkier winter clothing and inspect before each use to ensure straps, buckles and snap hoods aren’t frozen. 

Monthly Toolbox

Cold can be a real hazard in the Hudson Valley. Frigid temperatures and increased wind speed (wind chill) cause heat to leave the body more quickly, putting construction professionals at risk of cold stress.

Risk factors include dressing improperly, wet clothing and skin, and exhaustion, and it's important to know and understand cold stress hazards, symptoms, and prevention.

Types of cold stress include:

Hypothermia

Symptoms

• Normal body temperature (98.6°F) drops to 95°F or below
• Mild symptoms: Alert but shivering.
• Moderate to severe symptoms: Shivering stops, confusion, slurred speech, heart rate/breathing slow, loss of consciousness

Exposure Response

• To prevent further heat loss, cover the person (including the head and neck; do not cover face) with blankets and with something to block the cold, such as a tarp or garbage bag.
• Move the worker to a warm place.
• Change to dry clothes.
• In an emergency, call 911 immediately. 
• If medical help is more than 30 minutes away give warm, sweetened drinks if alert; apply heat packs to the armpits, sides of chest, neck, and groin.
• Ask 911 for additional instructions.

Frostbite

Symptoms

• Body tissues freeze, e.g., hands and feet can occur at temperatures above freezing, due to wind chill. May result in amputation.
• Symptoms: Numbness; reddened skin develops gray or white patches; skin feels firm or hard and may blister.

Exposure Response

• Follow the recommendations for hypothermia.
• Do not rub the frostbitten area.
• Avoid walking on frostbitten feet.
• Do not apply snow/water.
• Do not break blisters.
• Loosely cover and protect the area.
• Do not try to rewarm the area unless directed by medical personnel.

Trench Foot | Immersion Foot

This non-freezing injury to the foot is caused by lengthy exposure to wet and cold conditions. This injury can occur at air temperatures as high as 60°F.

Symptoms

• Redness, swelling, numbness, and blisters.

Exposure Response

• Remove wet shoes and socks. Go to a warm area, air dry, and keep affected feet elevated.
• Avoid walking.
• Get medical attention.

Protect Yourself and Others from Frostbite

• Dress properly in layers of loose-fitting, insulating clothes, including boots, jacket, gloves, and a hat, waterproof, if necessary.
• Gradually introduce yourself to the cold
• Schedule breaks in warm areas.
• Know the symptoms and monitor yourself and co-workers.
• Drink warm, sweetened fluids 
• Avoid alcohol
• Dress properly in layers of loose-fitting, insulating clothes, including boots, jacket, gloves, and a hat, waterproof, if necessary.

Source: Occupational Safety Consultants, www.WorkRiskFree.com