By. Kory Hildebrand NREA/Northeast Community College Working in the cold By. Kory Hildebrand NREA/Northeast Community College

Working in the Cold Dry cold includes thermometer temperatures as well as cold winds, which combine to create the well-known wind chill factor. During cold weather, approximately 60 percent of a person's body energy is used to heat the body. When exposed to frigid temperatures, the body's temperature decreases, causing blood vessels to constrict, decreasing the blood flow to the skin. The exposure of the skin to the cold can lead to frostbite and possibly even hypothermia. Wet cold includes dampness in the air, as well as direct contact with water, such as falling into a creek or lake, or being exposed to sleet or freezing rain. While the body naturally loses heat in dry, cold weather, it loses even more when exposed to wet cold. In fact, according to OSHA, wet clothing causes the body to lose heat 24 times faster than dry clothing.

Dangers Frostbite- As noted earlier, blood vessels near the skin constrict in cold weather so the body can conserve blood to keep vital internal organs warm. Eventually, the skin begins to freeze, causing ice crystals to form between cells and draw water from them. This leads to cellular hydration. The most common areas for frostbite are the fingers, toes, cheeks and nose. Symptoms of frostbite include an uncomfortable sensation of coldness, then tingling, stinging or aching in the exposed area, followed by numbness. The area generally appears white and cold to the touch.

Hypothermia Hypothermia- Each year, more than 700 people in the United States die from hypothermia. When the body temperature falls below a certain level, normal muscular and cerebral functions are impaired. At 95 degrees, the person experiences shivering, an inability to engage in complex motor functions, lethargy and mind confusion. Between 95 and 90 degrees, the person experiences dazed consciousness, an inability to complete simple motor functions, slurred speech and sometimes irrational behavior. Below 90 degrees, blood flow, breathing and heart rate decrease to the point where the person may lose consciousness and the heart may stop.

Trench Foot Trench foot- This is primarily caused by long, continuous exposure to a wet, cold environment or immersion in cold water. It is common among commercial fishermen. Symptoms can include tingling or itching, burning, pain, swelling and sometimes blisters.

Prevention Wearing the right clothing is the most important way to avoid cold stress. The type of fabric also makes a difference. Cotton loses its insulation value when it becomes wet. Wool, on the other hand, retains its insulation even when wet. The following are recommendations for working in cold environments: Wear at least three layers of clothing: An outer layer to break the wind and allow some ventilation A middle layer of down or wool to absorb sweat and provide insulation even when wet An inner layer of cotton or synthetic weave to allow ventilation Wear a hat. Up to 40% of body heat can be lost when the head is left exposed. Wear insulated boots or other footwear. Keep a change of dry clothing available in case work clothes become wet. Do not wear tight clothing. Loose clothing allows better ventilation.

Work Practices Work Practices Drinking: Drink plenty of liquids, avoiding caffeine and alcohol. It is easy to become dehydrated in cold weather. Work Schedule: If possible, heavy work should be scheduled during the warmer parts of the day. Take breaks out of the cold. Buddy System: Try to work in pairs to keep an eye on each other and watch for signs of cold stress