Protecting Workers from "Cold Stress".

• Position: THE ELEMENTS

As the winter season trudges on, keeping outdoor workers safe from falling air temperatures is a priority for many businesses, even in regions that are not accustomed to frigid winter weather. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Washington, D.C., exposing workers to extreme cold, near-freezing temperatures, wet conditions, and wind chill all are considered risk factors for "cold stress," which occurs when a person's skin temperature decreases, and eventually the internal body temperature along with it.

When the body is unable to warm itself, serious cold-related illnesses and injuries may occur, along with the potential for permanent tissue damage and even death. The most-common types of cold stress include hypothermia, frostbite, and trench foot.

Colder temperatures can affect any outdoor worker exposed for extended periods, including those who work in facility management, snow cleanup, construction, electric utilities, and roadside-related. Other workers who could be affected include those in transit, baggage handling, water transportation, landscaping services, and oil and gas operations.

Cold stress also can be brought on when outdoor workers return to work after a long absence, or for others who are new to the job, as their bodies may not be as accustomed to the weather conditions.

Even workers in warmer climates (above freezing) can be exposed to the effects of cold stress from increased and sustained wind speeds, which can cause heat to leave the body more rapidly (wind chill effect). Wetness or dampness caused by precipitation and body sweat also can facilitate heat loss from the body.

Dressing properly, including selecting garments constructed with protective fabrics if applicable, is one of the best ways for businesses to help prevent cold stress from affecting their workers. "Cotton, for example, is not always the best choice for outdoor workers since it can lose its warming value when it becomes wet from either inclement weather or perspiration.

"Instead, outdoor workers are often better protected...