Safety Cold - Protecting Workers from Cold Stress Injuries

As the winter season progresses falling temperatures leave many North American workers are exposed to cold stress injuries.

Diseases that can be developed are trench foot, frostbite and hypothermia. In addition to simply being in the cold can limit the magnitude of the movements of a person safety  cold, creating a potential hazard in the workplace. This article examines cold stress illnesses and treatment options.

During the pumping of blood from the limbs to increase the temperature of the torso is not a sign of a cold stress disease, it may create a hazard in the workplace safety  cold. This natural response limits the flexibility and agility in the hands and feet.

This loss of flexibility / agility can affect a person's ability to grasp and carry objects or away from pinch points safety  cold. To limit the risk of keeping your legs warm with gloves and socks that are strong enough to keep warm, but also to maintain flexibility.

Trench foot occurs when your feet are cold and damp while wearing constricting shoes safety  cold. Unlike freezing trench foot does not require freezing, and can occur at temperatures up to 60 ° Fahrenheit. The condition can occur with as little as thirteen hours exposure.

Symptoms of trench foot include tingling, itching, burning safety  cold, pain and swelling of the feet. More advanced cases may also include blisters and infections.

Trench foot is easily prevented by keeping the feet warm and dry safety  cold. To treat trench foot move the victim to a warm place, soaking your feet in hot water and wrap it with a dry towel.