Cold winters are a fact of life in Canada and working in the cold increases the risk of several hazards. Working in cold weather can be dangerous to people who are not properly trained or who are not wearing adequate clothing. If these hazards are not controlled they can be harmful to your health and in extreme cases they can be life threatening. It is also important to remember that cold working conditions can lead to lower efficiency and higher accident rates.
Anybody who is required to work outside, especially during the winter months, is exposed to this occupational hazard. This includes transport workers, ski resort personnel, outdoor recreation workers and maintenance workers. Some workers, such as those who work in refrigerated warehouses or meat packaging facilities, may be exposed to cold temperatures all year long. Working alone or in isolated locations increases the risk.
Cold stress is defined as the response of the body to extreme cold conditions. It can result in frostbite or freezing of exposed skin which can cause severe tissue damage. Hypothermia occurs when the body core temperature drops below 35 degrees. This is a very serious condition which can be fatal and immediate medical attention is required. Working in a cold environment increases the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Conditions such as arthritis and rheumatism can be aggravated and mental skills and manual dexterity can be adversely affected.
Cold stress is defined as the response of the body to extreme cold conditions. It can result in frostbite or freezing of exposed skin which can cause severe tissue damage. Hypothermia occurs when the body core temperature drops below 35 degrees. This is a very serious condition which can be fatal and immediate medical attention is required. Working in a cold environment increases the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Conditions such as arthritis and rheumatism can be aggravated and mental skills and manual dexterity can be adversely affected.
Workers who are exposed to extreme cold working conditions must be properly prepared and equipped.
The risks of working in the cold are caused by three main factors - air temperature, air movement (wind speed) and humidity (wetness). These factors must be properly controlled by proper insulation (layered, protective clothing) and by limiting exposure (work/rest schedule).
As Canadians, we often wear our hardiness to the cold as a badge of honour. However, it is important to recognize, assess and control the hazards of cold stress in the same way that you deal with other hazards in the workplace, and that you take the necessary steps to protect your workers from the risks of extreme cold exposure.
If you would like some assistance dealing with this or any other workplace hazards contact your nearest OSSA consultant. You can also purchase educational and training products to assist you in protecting your workers from exposure to extreme cold:
- The Great Outdoors Resource Guide
- Working in the Cold Hazard Kit
These can be ordered online or through our client services line at 1-888-478-6772.
That in a kitchen, you should not store flammables - like aerosol vegetable sprays - near or above heat sources.