Wind Chill Index Toolbox Talk

Wind Chill Index Safety Talk

Cold weather is a serious concern when your job requires you to work outside in the elements. As a construction worker, you are at risk for a number of cold-related injuries and illnesses, including trench foot, frostbite, and hypothermia.

These injuries aren't always caused by working in snow and ice. High winds can also have a significant impact on the temperature of the human body.

Wind chill index

Cold weather is bad enough on its own, but when it's windy, it can be even more dangerous. The temperature outside can drastically feel much colder with high winds.

For example, if the temperature is10 degrees Fahrenheit with wind gusts of 20 MPH, it can feel like a temperature of -9 degrees Fahrenheit outside. The National Weather Service will issue weather chill advisories and warnings due to the dangers that are present when there is wind with cold weather.

How to avoid cold stress-related health hazards

With proper training and information, you can help to protect yourself from cold-related health hazards. Here are some of the most commonly used practices that you should utilize when working in the cold.

Be aware of the workers around you

When it's really cold outside, stay aware of how your body feels and take the necessary precautions to keep warm and prevent cold-related in juries. You should also be aware of the state of other workers around you.

If you suspect that another worker is experiencing a problem, get them to a warm area immediately to assess the situation. You can take further action from there, once they are out of the cold.

Take breaks regularly

Breaks are an important part of your workday, especially when it is cold outside. Every worker should take advantage of their break time and find a warm place to be in. If there is not a heated area at the construction site, take your break inside a warm vehicle.

Your body needs time to warm up after spending a long period of time in the cold.

Take time to acclimate

When the weather first becomes cold for the season, your body isn’t going to be prepared. It will take you some time to acclimate yourself to the new temperatures. Give yourself time to adjust.

You are more likely to get sick from these cold weather if you force your body to adjust to changes too soon.

Don’t work in extreme conditions

If you have the ability to delay work when there are extremely cold, windy, and wet weather conditions outside, make the safe decision. While postponing tasks can affect project schedules, it is always better to avoid risk when simply being outside can pose a major safety hazard.

Wear layers of clothing

When you are working outdoors in cold temperatures, it is a best practice to layer your clothing. This will help you to remain warmer throughout the working hours.

If any of your layers become wet, you should immediately remove them. You are at higher risk of injury and illness when wet and cold clothing is laying against your body.

Pay close attention to your feet. If your socks or boots get wet, change them as soon as possible.

Drink warm beverages

Before beginning your workday, you should try to consume at least one warm beverage. It can be hot apple cider, coffee, or tea. This will help to warm your body on the inside before heading out into the cold temperatures.

When you take your routine breaks, take advantage of warm areas. This is also a great time to drink a warm beverage. heating your core can help you better regulate your body temperature and stay warmer.

What is hypothermia?

Hypothermia is a major concern for workers when it is really cold outside. It is especially risky when there is a wind chill causing it to feel much colder than it is.

Hypothermia is a condition that happens when your body temperature drops too low, and you aren’t able to raise it on your own.

Maintaining your body temperature is important for the proper functioning of your internal organs. If your body isn’t warm enough, your heart can’t pump the way it should. It will be difficult to breathe.

It is crucial that someone exhibiting signs of hypothermia get medical attention immediately. Some of the signs are:

• Shivering

• Slurred speech

• Confusion

• Memory loss

• Extreme tiredness

• Unstable on their feet

When hypothermia kicks in, people can become confused and disoriented. If that happens, it can be hard to get yourself to a safe location for help. Immediately seek help if you notice yourself or others experiencing these warning signs.

What is frostbite?

When a part of your body is exposed to extremely cold weather for a prolonged period of time, you can develop frostbite. This can also occur when you wear wet clothing in cold temperatures. The dampness can be from sweat, water, or other substances.

The nose, fingers, and toes are the most commonly known areas to get frostbitten. Frostbite damages the tissue in the affected area and discontinues blood flow.

Some of the signs of frostbite to be aware of are:

• Prickling feeling

• Extremely cold skin

• Numb feeling

• Burning sensation

• White or blue coloring

• Blisters when it warms up

What is trench foot?

Trench foot is caused when a person's feet are kept in a wet condition for prolonged periods of time. It is also referred to as immersion foot. Trench foot can occur in any temperature from hot to extreme cold.

Trench foot is not affected so much by the temperature of the feet, but the amount of time that they have stayed in a wet environment. It can be a very painful and uncomfortable issue.

Some of the signs of trench foot to watch for are:

• Stinging

• Tingling

• Numbness

• Pain

• Swelling

• Itching

• Cold and blotchy skin

• The feeling of heaviness in the feet

• Red and dry skin once out of the moisture

Knowledge is key

When you have the necessary knowledge of potential hazards, you can better protect yourself and others. Working in cold conditions is common for construction workers. You need to know the warning signs of cold-related injuries and illness.