Winter is fast approaching; some regions have already experienced snowfall this year! I wanted to take this opportunity to discuss cold weather safety.
Cold weather injuries happen because of an imbalance of body temperature regulation, or where heat loss is greater than heat production in an area of the body.
There are four primary types of cold injuries:
Hypothermia
Frostbite
Non-freezing cold injuries
Injuries related to cold environments
Cold weather injuries are preventable, but you need to be able to recognize the early signs and symptoms then take the proper preventive measures.
Anyone can become a victim of a cold weather injury given the right conditions.
Factors That Can Increase the Chance of a Cold Weather Injury
Improper Nutrition
Too Much Activity
Too Little Activity
Restrictive Clothing
Prior Cold Weather Injuries
Dehydration
Medications
Alcohol Intake
Nicotine Use
Current Medical Conditions
How to Prevent Cold Weather Injuries
Hydration
Drink warm fluids
Monitor urine color
Environment
Monitor weather conditions
Have warming areas if needed
If outside wear non-slip footwear
Eyes
Use dark UV protective glasses
Skin
Use lip balm and sunscreen
Always use gloves when handling equipment and fuel products
Keep the skin clean, dry & covered
Clothing
Wear layers worn loosely
Keep clothes and socks dry
Remember the acronym COLD
C – Keep it Clean
O – Avoid Overheating
L – Wear Clothing Loose and in Layers
D – Keep Clothing Dry
Cold Weather Injuries / Symptoms / Treatment
Hypothermia
A condition of low body core temperature below 95 degrees. It occurs when cold conditions are severe, windy, clothing is wet and periods of inactivity. This condition can also occur in warm climates during extended water exposure or immersion.
Symptoms
Initial Stages – Stumbling, confusion, slurred speech, dizziness, irritability, shivering
Severe Stages – Shivering stops, wants to lie down / sleep, faint heartbeat, faint breathing and unconsciousness
Treatment
Prevent further exposure to cold
If conscious drink warm / sweet liquids
Rewarm body temperature by body to body contact and warm blankets
Give CPR if needed
Evacuate from area immediately if severe
Frostbite
Fingers, toes, ears and nose are normally affected first. Is the freezing or crystallization of tissues; the exposure time can be minutes or instantaneous if the skin is exposed to extreme cold of high winds.
Symptoms
Skin feels cold, stiff, turns gray or waxy-white color, numbness, tingling or stinging sensation, blisters, absent or restricted movement in joints, purple or blackened skin
Treatment
Remove from cold to prevent further heat loss, remove any constrictive clothing and jewelry, rewarm affected area evenly with body heat until pain returns, DO NOT rewarm area if injury could refreeze before evacuation or victim has to walk for treatment, do not massage affected area, evacuate for medical treatment immediately
Non-Freezing Cold Injuries
Chilblains
Occurs in cold, wet conditions due to prolonged exposure of bare skin
Symptoms
Skin is initially pale and colorless, worsens to achy sensation then numbness, becomes red / swollen / hot / itchy & tender upon rewarming, in severe case blistering occurs
Treatment
Prevent further exposure, wash / dry area gently, rewarm with body heat, do not rub or massage, cover with dry sterile dressing, seek medical treatment
Trench / Immersion Foot
Results from prolonged exposure to water at temperatures below 50 degrees, high risk in wet areas, during wet weather or by sweat accumulating in boots or gloves
Symptoms
Skin initially appears wet / white / shriveled, sensations of pins and needles / tingling / numbness then pain, discoloration red / blush or black, becomes cold / swollen / waxy, may develop blisters, open weeping or bleeding, in extreme case the flesh dies
Treatment
Keep feet dry, change socks and apply foot powder often or when wet, have extra socks and boots
Other Conditions and Injuries Related to Cold Exposure
Dehydration
Excessive loss of body fluids can slow or prevent normal body functions, this may increase the chance for frostbite or hypothermia
Symptoms
Dark urine, irritability, dry mouth / tongue /throat, increased heartbeat, dizziness, stomach cramping or vomiting, mental sluggishness, unconsciousness
Treatment
Drink water, rest
Sunburn
Burning of the skin due to overexposure to sun / UV light
Symptoms
Chills, fever, redness, swelling, pain and blistering
Treatment
Applying soothing skin creams for minor cases, seek medical attention for severe cases, aspirin can be taken for pain
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Occurs when oxygen in body is replaced by carbon monoxide, can build from inadequate ventilation from engines, stoves and heaters
Symptoms
Drowsiness, headaches, ringing in ears, bright red lips / eyelids, nausea, unconsciousness, possibly death
Treatment
Move to fresh air immediately, seek medical aid promptly
Snow Blindness
Is inflammation and sensitivity of eyes caused by overexposure to UV rays of sun reflected by snow or ice
Symptoms
Gritty feeling in the eyes, redness and tearing, pain during eye movement, headache
Treatment
Remove from sunlight, blindfold eyes and cover with cool wet bandage, seek medical attention
Slips, Trips and Falls
The presence of ice and snow significantly increase the chance of these type injuries
Symptoms
After a fall resulting in impact or a twist pain maybe sharp and immediate, soreness & swelling can increase over the next few hours and up to a couple days after the incident
Treatment
Seek medical advice for pain limiting movement
Safety is the priority no matter what the task may be. No one will look after you better than you! So while out working during the cold winter months keep an eye on yourself and all those around you.
I wish you all the very best.
J and J Lawn Service
UAG Member 2018
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