Solution Summary: Protective Clothing and Equipment for Cold-Related Injuries and Illnesses
Risks Addressed:
Cold-related injuries are caused by working in low temperatures and high winds, particularly when the skin is wet. Outdoor workers suffer from cold-related injuries each year.
The human body’s natural reaction when exposed to cold environments is to maintain its core temperature. To do so, blood shifts away from less critical body parts including the hands, feet, arms, legs and skin to concentrate in the vital chest and abdomen regions. As a result of the blood shift, the body parts containing less blood face an increased risk of cold-related injuries such as hypothermia (a core body temperature of less than 95°F) and frostbite (frozen skin tissues). If moisture is introduced in addition to cold temperatures, trench foot also becomes a possibility (OSHA).
“Wind chill is the temperature your body feels when air temperature and wind speed are combined. For example, when the air temperature is 40°F, and the wind speed is 35 mph, the effect on the exposed skin is as if the air temperature was 28°F” (OSHA).
Cold Stress is the result of the skin temperature being lowered, ultimately resulting in a reduced core body temperature. Serious health concerns including possible tissue damage and death may occur if the situation is severe (OSHA).
How Risks are Reduced:
The traction between walking and working surfaces and workers' footwear is reduced when the surface is covered with ice or snow. Reduced traction makes walking and working surfaces more slippery increasing the likelihood of falls. Research has shown that the rate of injuries resulting from slips and falls increases as the temperature falls below freezing (Bell, 2000 and Hassi, 2000). The cleats on traction devices can help prevent slipping on icy surfaces and improve surface tractions.
The human body’s natural reaction when exposed to cold environments is to maintain its core temperature. To do so, blood shifts away from less critical body parts including the hands, feet, arms, legs and skin to concentrate in the vital chest and abdomen regions. As a result of the blood shift, the body parts containing less blood face an increased risk of cold-related injuries such as hypothermia (a core body temperature of less than 95°F) and frostbite (frozen skin tissues). If moisture is introduced in addition to cold temperatures, trench foot also becomes a possibility (OSHA). Wearing proper clothing in multiple layers of breathable, warm, thermal insulated clothing will leave very little skin exposed and help maintain core body temperature. In some situations, clothing designed to provide additional protection from water and wind may be needed.
Availability
Ergodyne Proflex Thermal Waterproof Gloves
To obtain information, visit Cooper Safety Supply
or contact 1-800-724-2596 sales@coopersafety.com
NEESEVIZ Class 3 Hi-Vis Lime Bomber Jacket
To obtain information, visit Northern Safety Co., Inc.
or contact 1-800-571-4646 salessupport@northernsafety.com
STABIL by 32north Corp.
To obtain information, visit STABILicers Maxx
or contact 1-800-782-2423 info@32north.com
Carolina Men's 8" Steel Toe Waterproof Insulated Logger Boots
To obtain information, visit shoeline.com
or contact 1-877-818-4461 CustomerService@Shoeline.com
Yaktrax Walk and Pro Ice-Traction Devices
To obtain information, visit Yaktrax and Yaktrax Store Locator
or contact 1-866-925-8729
N-Ferno Winter Hard Hat Liners
To obtain information, visit Cooper Safety Supply
or contact 1-800-724-2596 sales@coopersafety.com
Carhartt, Inc.
To obtain information, visit YUKON EXTREMES® ZIP-TO-WAIST BIBERALL / ARCTIC QUILT LINED
or contact 1-800-833-3118
Fox River Steel-Toe Wick Dry Work Sock
To obtain information, visit Fox River Mills, Inc.
or contact 1-800-247-1815