Winter Weather

IT’S COLD OUT THERE!!

Anyone who works…or lives…in Manitoba knows that the New Year always brings vicious cold weather!  Brutal wind chills, car warmers, and extra thick scarves and mittens are simply part of winter for those of us on the Prairies!

Cold air temperatures, high velocity air movement, dampness in the air and contact with cold water or surfaces can contribute to cold stress and the conditions associated with cold weather, such as Hypothermia and Frostbite.  These are potentially serious problems that have the ability to affect anyone working in the construction industry:

Hypothermia is a potentially serious health condition occurring when body heat is lost faster than it can be replaced.  When the core body temperature drops below the normal 37 degrees Celsius, the onset of symptoms normally begins.  A person may begin to shiver and stomp their feet in order to generate heat. Workers may lose coordination, have slurred speech, and fumble with items in the hand.  The skin will likely be pale and cold.  As the body temperature continues to fall these symptoms will worsen and shivering will stop.  Workers may be unable to walk or stand. Once the body temperature falls to around 29 degrees, severe hypothermia will develop and the person may become unconscious, and at 26 degrees, the person could die.

Treatment:  For cases of mild hypothermia move to warm area and stay active.  Remove wet clothes and replace with dry clothes or blankets and cover the head.  Drink a warm (not hot) sugary drink. Avoid drinks with caffeine.  For more severe cases do all the above, plus contact emergency medical personnel (Call 911 for an ambulance), cover all extremities completely, place very warm objects, such as hot packs or water bottles on the victim's head, neck, chest and groin.  Arms and legs should be warmed last.  In cases of severe hypothermia do not apply external heat to re-warm.  Hospital treatment is required.

Frostbite: Occurs when the skin actually freezes and loses water.  In severe cases, amputation of the frostbitten area may be required.  While frostbite usually occurs when the temperatures is -1 degree Celsius or lower, wind chill factors can allow frostbite to occur in above freezing temperatures.  Frostbite typically affects the extremities, particularly the feet and hands.  The affected body part will be cold, tingling, stinging or aching followed by numbness.  Skin color turns red, then purple, then white, and is cold to the touch. There may be blisters in severe cases.

Treatment:  Do not rub the affected area.  Wrap the area in a soft cloth, move the worker to a warm area, and contact medical personnel.  Do not leave the worker alone.  If help is delayed, immerse in warm (not hot) water.  Do not pour water on the affected area.  If there is a chance that the affected part will get cold again do not warm. Warming and re-cooling will cause severe tissue damage!