WorksafeBC is raising awareness around the dangers of working in cold weather.
Al Johnson is WorkSafe’s Vice President of Prevention Services and says when temperatures are expected to drop, employers need to do a risk assessment and create a cold exposure plan for workers before injuries occur.
“Then you need to provide them with education on signs and symptoms of cold-related ailments,” he says. “As well as the engineering controls, the administrative controls and the personal protective equipment controls that they need to have in place in order to prevent that exposure.”
Since symptoms from cold exposure slowly set in before you realize it, Johnson advises workers to keep an eye on the temperature but also keep an eye on each other; When shivering turns to numbness, confusion, and slow breathing, with red skin becoming grey, it’s time to seek medical attention.
He points out that a person’s body temperature should not go below 96.8 degrees.
WorksafeBC released the following tips on how to keep warm when working outside in cold weather for long periods of time:
– Keep an eye on temperature and wind chill forecasts from Environment Canada
– Minimize exposed skin to cold temperatures and wind chill
– Layer clothing to allow sweat to escape and trap heat
– Keep clothing dry
– Keep bare hands away from metal objects
– Stay hydrated but limit the amount of coffee and tea
– Work rested – fatigue is a risk factor in the cold
– Wear a hat – body heat escapes through the head
– Pace any vigorous work with scheduled breaks in warm and dry areas
Johnson says workers can refuse work if they feel conditions, such as temperature, are unsafe.
(Image courtesy WorkSafeBC)
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