Cold Stress

Introduction

Cold stress occurs when low temperatures and wind chill cause the body to lose heat faster than it can produce it. Workers in freezers, construction, or outdoor agriculture are particularly at risk.

Common Cold-Related Injuries and First Aid

Frostbite

Frostbite occurs when there is actual freezing of body tissues. The effects are more severe if the injured area thaws and then re-freezes. Commonly affected areas are the nose, cheeks, ears, fingers, or toes. Just before the frostbite occurs, the skin may be slightly flushes. When the skin turns white or grayish-yellow, frostbite has set in. Obtain medical attention as soon as possible. 

Frostbite first aid actions:

  • Get into a warm room as soon as possible.
  • Unless necessary, do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes.
  • Immerse the affected area in warm (not hot) water or warm the affected area using body heat. Do not use a heating pad, fireplace, or radiator for warming.
  • Do not massage the frostbitten area; doing so may cause more damage.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a condition in which the body uses up its stored energy and can no longer produce heat. Often occurs after prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. Early symptoms may include shivering, fatigue, drowsiness, loss of coordination, and confusion and disorientation. Late symptoms may include shivering stops, blue skin, dilated pupils, slowed pulse and breathing, and loss of consciousness. 

Hypothermia first aid actions:

  • Request medical assistance.
  • Move individuals into a warm room or shelter.
  • Remove any wet clothing.
  • Warm the center of their body first—check, neck, head, and groin—using an electric blanket; or use skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, or towels.
  • If conscious, a warm beverage may help increase the body temperature. Do not give alcohol.
  • Once temperature has increased, keep them dry and wrapped in a warm blanket, including the head and neck.
  • If there’s no pulse, begin CPR.

Trench Foot

An injury of the feet resulting from prolonged exposure to wet and cold conditions that can occur at temperatures as high as 60°F if the feet are constantly wet. Symptoms may include reddening of the skin, numbness, leg cramps, swelling, tingling pain, blisters or ulcers, bleeding under the skin, and gangrene (foot may turn dark purple, blue, or gray).

Trench Foot first aid actions:

  • Remove shoe/boots and wet socks.
  • Dry feet in a warm area.
  • Avoid walking on feet, as this may cause tissue damage.

Chilblains

Chilblains are ulcers formed by damaged small blood vessels in the skin, caused by repeated exposure of skin to temperatures just above freezing to as high as 60°F. Symptoms may include redness, itching, possible blistering, inflammation, and possible ulceration in severe cases.

Chilblains first aid actions:

  • Avoid scratching the area.
  • Slowly warm the skin.
  • Use corticosteroid creams to relieve itching and swelling.
  • Keep blisters and ulcers clean and covered.

How to Protect Yourself

To prevent cold stress, follow these safety protocols:

  • Wear Appropriate Clothing: Wear several layers of clothing, such as thermal underwear under pants, shirts, and sweaters. Utilizing multiple layers allows you to adjust your level of protection to match the current temperature and your physical activity. 
  • Protect Extremities: Wear a hat to reduce heat loss from the head and use waterproof, insulated boots.
  • Take Warm Breaks: Limit time spent in the cold and move to warm locations during breaks.
  • Be Prepared: Carry a change of clothes, extra socks, gloves, chemical hot packs, and a thermos of hot liquid.
  • Monitor Coworkers: Regularly check your physical condition and that of your colleagues.
  • Avoid Bare Metal: Do not touch cold metal surfaces with bare skin.

Additional Information

For evaluations or guidance regarding Cold Stress, please contact Health, Safety, and Risk Management (HSRM) at [email protected] or (612) 626-6002.