New The Stone Cold Truth About Cold Stress Prevention · 2016. 11. 29. · BLS Data, 2015 » An...
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New The Stone Cold Truth About Cold Stress Prevention · 2016. 11. 29. · BLS Data, 2015 » An average of 1,200 annual fatalities » 43 occupational fatalities in 2014 » 380 worker
Welcome and thank you for joining us today to learn about the topic of cold stress. My name is Alsie Nelson, an Associate Product Manager at Ergodyne. Under my umbrella of products are the temperature stress products- products that help combat the heat stress as well as cold stress.
» Define the hazard – why is cold stress a risk to workers?
» Identify the three common cold illnesses//injuries
» How to spot ‘em: Signs and symptoms
» How to treat ‘em: Treatment and action plans
» How to prevent and lower the risk of cold stress
A REAL ISSUELEARNING OBJECTIVES
Presenter
Presentation Notes
We will spend the next 45 minutes defining cold stress. Why is it a relevant and important issue, especially for those in the workface facing the hazard. It’s import to understand how to identify the illnesses and injuries that can result when exposed to cold temperatures as well as how to treat and prevent cold related illnesses.
EXTREME SEASONSCOLD HARD FACTS
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Our weather patterns are changing. NOAA ( the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), the Farmers Almanac, and even the weather channel continually post data stating this. We are seeing less predictable weather patterns which make preparing for the changing seasons more difficult..
» 2013–2014 winter considered “an
extreme weather event” in North
America
» 2014 February was “the coldest month
in the history of weather observations.”
EXTREME SEASONSCOLD HARD FACTS
noaa.gov
Presenter
Presentation Notes
An example of an extreme weather event occurred the winter of 2013-2014, when the polar vortex settled on top of the much of the US, ranking it was the coldest month in the history of weather observations.
BLS Data, 2015
» An average of 1,200 annual fatalities
» 43 occupational fatalities in 2014
» 380 worker injuries due to exposure to cold in 2014
» Hypothermia
» Frostbite
» Overexertion
A REAL ISSUECOLD HARD FACTS
Presenter
Presentation Notes
A 2014 study by the Center for Disease Control found that in the United States we see an average of about 1,200 cold weather related fatalities each year. This is roughly 63% of the total weather related fatalities in the US. Conversely, the CDC found that heat related fatalities accounted for about half that number, at 31%. In 2014 there were 43 occupational fatalities due to hypothermia and overexertion in the cold. There were also 380 worker reported injuries resulting from over exposure to cold temperatures. Again, these were reported illnesses so they include hypothermia, frostbite, overexertion
BLS Data, 2015
» In 2014, cold-related injuries resulted in an average of five days of missed work
» 110 cases involved more than 20 days away from work
» The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not track restricted days
A REAL ISSUECOLD HARD FACTS
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Injuries take a toll on both the employee and employer. Beyond the direct medical costs there are also other measurable that come into play. For example, in 2014 the average injury resulted in 5 days, so one week, of missed work. Doesn’t seem that detrimental, right? That number was an average. There were also 110 cases that resulted in 20 days or more away from the job. Beyond days away it is also important to take into account restricted days. These days may outnumber days away due to a worker being physically able to return to work while back at their job but limitations due to injury may mean the worker cannot assume the same job they were doing before and will need to be trained into an alternative task.
» Days away, restricted, or transferred (DART)
are just the tip of the iceberg!
» Indirect costs add up:
» Retraining
» Lost productivity
» Morale
A REAL ISSUECOLD HARD FACTS
Presenter
Presentation Notes
There are also additional indirect costs to the employer in the form of hiring temporary replacements, retraining, lost productivity associated with retraining or a result of the injury itself, and even moral. Indirect costs such as these are not always obvious but can certainly be detrimental to a business.
ARE YOU READY?THE KEY TO PREVENTION IS AWARENESS
Presenter
Presentation Notes
And being aware of cold stress factors, symptoms and ways of prevention are necessary for mitigating risks and staying safe.
There are slightly more obvious applications where cold stress is an issue, primarily outdoor workers that are exposed to inconsistent environmental variables- construction, agriculture, commercial fishing and transportation are just a few examples. On the flip side, not limited to an outdoor setting, there are workers that are exposed to extreme cold 12 months out of the year in an indoor environment, where there is better controls in place such as food processing, cold storage and even beverage and brewing.
» Personal Risk Factors
» Age, weight, fitness level
» Chronic or acute illness
» Under the influence of alcohol or drugs
» Illegal or prescription
» Lack of acclimation to cold
» Dehydration
» Smoking
CONTRIBUTING FACTORSTHE BASICS
Presenter
Presentation Notes
There are two sets of factors to think about when considering the causes of cold stress on the body. The first of these being personal factors. Being aware of these factor and knowing an individuals risk factors will allow that person to be better prepared when the cold weather hits. So who is at risk for experiencing a cold related illness? As you can see from the list here, there are many risk factors that can contribute to someone being more at risk for cold stress than another.
» Environmental Risk Factors
» Cold air temperatures
» High wind speeds
» Damp air
» A cold environment forces the body to work harder to
maintain its core temperature
CONTRIBUTING FACTORSTHE BASICS
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Next we have environmental factors. Four factors contribute to cold stress: cold air temperatures, high velocity air movement, dampness of the air, and contact with cold water or surfaces. A cold environment forces the body to work harder to maintain its temperature. Cold ambient air temperature, water, and snow all draw heat from the body. High wind speeds and dampness in the air will also accelerate a body’s heat loss. �
WINDCHILL EFFECT
National Weather Service (NWS) Wind Chill Chart adapted May 2004 from http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/windchill/
Presenter
Presentation Notes
The NWS (national weather service) Windchill Temperature (WCT) index uses advances in science, technology, and computer modeling to provide an accurate, understandable, and useful formula for calculating the dangers from winter winds and freezing temperatures. Wind chill is the combination of air temperature and wind speed. For example, when the air temperature is 40°F, and the wind speed is 35 mph, your exposed skin receives conditions equivalent to the air temperature being 11° F. Much more of an impact with the exposure to wind, than without. The index: •Calculates wind speed at an average height of five feet, typical height of an adult human face, based on readings from the national standard height of 33 feet, typical height of an anemometer •Is based on a human face model •Incorporates heat transfer theory, heat loss from the body to its surroundings, during cold and breezy/windy days •Lowers the calm wind threshold to 3 mph •Uses a consistent standard for skin tissue resistance •Assumes no impact from the sun (i.e., clear night sky).
Let’s not forget that there are environmental risk factors present in both indoor and outdoor environments. Contact with cold water or surfaces will draw heat away from the body at an accelerated rate. Exposure to vibration from tools can cause white finger, reynauds syndrome. And the more obvious miss, working without proper PPE means the body is exposed and vulnerable.
COMMON COLD STRESSILLNESSES//INJURIES
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Presenter: So what is a cold stress related illness and what signs do I look for?
» The body loses more heat than it can
replace
» Body temps begin to fall below a “normal
temperature” of 98.6°F (37°C)
WHAT IS COLD STRESS?ILLNESSES//INJURIES
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Cold Stress begins when the body loses more heat that it can replace. If one’s body temperature begins to fall below the average 98.6 F, then cold stress can occur and individual can begin to show signs or symptoms of cold stress.
» Energy is spent maintaining internal temperature
» Blood is drawn away from extremities to the core
» Exposed skin and extremities cool rapidly, increasing the
risk of frostbite and hypothermia
HOW THE BODY REACTS TO COLDTHE BASICS
WARM COLD
BLOOD FLOW
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Think about the last time you were in a cold environment, what happened, what was cool first? That’s right you fingers and toes, why? Well let’s looking back at the science of the body, you can see here in this diagram, when the body begins to get cold all the blood begin to leave the extremities and draws into the center core of the body. This happens so to protect the vital organs. As this happens it can leave exposed skin and extremities at risk and the skin will begin to cool quickly, increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
» Common cold-related illnesses/injuries
» Trench Foot
» Frostbite
» Hypothermia
THE TIP OF THE ICEBERGILLNESSES//INJURIES
» Death of the skin’s surface tissue.
» The skin does not freeze.
» Blisters & swelling may occur.
DEFINITIONTRENCH FOOT
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Trench Foot which is a “wet cold disease” occurs in damp or wet environments that are just above freezing. - Trench foot gets it’s name from trench warfare during WW1 when soldier developed the illness while waiting in the trenches for combat. - Feet become numb, swollen and develop blisters. -Unlike frostbite, trench foot does not require freezing temperatures; it can occur in temperatures up to 60° Fahrenheit and within as few as 13 hours. At no point, does the skin does not actually freeze but other issues definitely can arise. Common symptoms are blisters, swelling and in the most sever situations, amputation.
» Remove wet socks and footwear
» Thoroughly clean with warm water
» Dry feet
» When sleeping or resting, do not wear socks
» Get medical treatment ASAP
TREATMENTTRENCH FOOT
Emergency.cdc.gov
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Appropriate treatment for trench foot ultimately depends on the severity of the condition but general guidelines recommend the following- Remove wet socks and footwear Thoroughly clean with warm water Dry feet When sleeping or resting, do not wear socks Get medical treatment ASAP
» Injury to the skin and underlying tissues caused by
freezing
» Symptoms:
» White, grayish, or bluish skin
» Cold, hard, or waxy feel to skin
» May itch, burn, or feel numb
» Blistering and hardening of skin are signs of
extreme frostbite
FROSTBITECOLD CONDITIONS
emergency.cdc.gov
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Frostbite on the other hand does cause the skin and underlying tissues to freeze. If you remember I mentioned earlier that the body’s natural response to cold is circulate the body to the core, away from the extremities. In doing this, hand and feet are left more susceptible to developing frostbite. Common symptoms include discoloration or a waxy feel of the skin, many experience itching burning or even numbness. Blistering could also occur and in extreme cases hardening of the skin can happen.
» Treatment:
» Get out of the cold
» Gradually warm the affected skin
» Place frostbitten areas in warm – not hot – water
» Wrap affected areas in a warm blanket
» Seek emergency medical help ASAP
» DO NOT …
» Rub or massage the frostbitten area
» Use a heating pad, heat lamp, or other heat for warming
TREATMENTFROSTBITE
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Treatment may seem obvious. The most important thing a person experiencing frostbite can do is to remove themselves from the cold. Get the individual to a warm location, gradually, and I stress gradually, warm the affected areas, ensure they are hydrated, and seek medical attention. Important DON’T are rub or massage the frostbitten area. The tissues under the skin have crystalized and if you rub them they will breakdown potentially causing further injury also don’t use a heating pad, heat lamp, or other heat for warming - affected areas are numb and can be easily burned.
» Occurs when body heat is lost faster than it’s produced
» Core temperature drops below 95°F (35°C)
» Symptoms:
» Shivering
» Poor coordination and slowing of pace
» Stumbling and clumsiness
» Dazed and confused behavior
» Slurred and slow speech
» Hallucinations or changes in personality
DEFINITIONHYPOTHERMIA
Presenter
Presentation Notes
The last and most severe cold related illness that we will be discussing today is hypothermia. Again the average human has a normal functioning body temperature of 98.6 F. Hypothermia sets in when the core body temperature dips near or below 95°F. This is the point at which the body signals something is wrong. There are varying degrees of hypothermia, which means symptoms can vary. But the list you see here represents the most common of the symptoms. First you see shivering. Shivering is your body’s natural response to cold. It makes you move, helping to circulate your blood and ultimately warm you. In sever cases of hypothermia the individual has lost their ability to regulate their temperature, often meaning they no longer shiver. Poor coordination, reduced dexterity due to numb extremities and a slower pace become apparent. This can also lead to stumbling, tripping or falling. In even moderate cases, cognitive abilities can decrease, leading to confusion slurred speech and in severe cases, hallucinations.
» Treatment depends on the severity of the hypothermia …
» Mild: Move to warm area and stay active. Cover head and body with dry clothes or blankets.
Drink a warm (not hot) drink.
» Moderate: All the above, plus contact emergency medical personnel. Re-warm extremities.
» Severe: Treat worker very gently and do not apply external heat to re-warm. Hospital treatment is required.
TREATMENTHYPOTHERMIA
Presenter
Presentation Notes
There are three different severities of hypothermia and the treatment can very slight depending on the severity. Clearly you can see here that if and individual shows severe signs of hypothermia it is imperative to seek medical attention.
» Exposure to cold and damp weather can have
negative impacts even before reaching the point of
illness//injury
» Poor decision-making can result in personal injury
for property damage
AWARENESS IS KEYILLNESS//INJURY
Presenter
Presentation Notes
So we reviewed the different cold related illness , the symptoms and treatments but It is also important to take note that negative impacts can happen prior to an employee reaching point of illness and injury. Taking preventive steps if key, it is always important to address concern well in advance of any point of illness or injury. Monitoring and having cold weather plans in place will help mitigate property damage, productivity lose and last but certainly not least possible illnesses and injuries.
» Productivity loss due to decreased dexterity, sensitivity,
and strength in extremities.
» If not identified, serious cold-related illnesses may lead to worker injury, permanent tissue damage, or even death.
AWARENESS IS KEYILLNESS//INJURY
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Cold temperatures slow the body down, dexterity and overall physical strength is reduced. These ultimately lead to a reduction in productivity. This is more of an indirect cost but ultimately adds up, and can quickly in monetary value. More importantly than that though, is that if any of the cold illness we discussed do not get addressed, They can lead to permanently disability or even death.
COMPLIANCE COMMITTMENTS
Presenter
Presentation Notes
SO what is required you might ask?
» Cold Stress are recognized occupational hazards by major
regulatory and health & safety organizations including:
» OSHA
» CDC//NIOSH
» ANSI//ISEA
WHAT IS REQUIRED?REGULATIONS
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Cold Stress are recognized occupational hazards by major regulatory and health & safety organizations. Meaning they acknowledge there are risks with exposure to cold and that there are preventive measure that need to ne taken when working in those environments. These organizations include: OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Association CDC – Center for Disease Control NIOSH – National Institute for Occupational Safety + Health ANSI – American National Standards Institute ISEA – International Safety Equipment Association
» No federal OSHA regulation
» General Duty Clause: Employers must provide a safe and healthful workplace for
worker.
» OSHA guidance:
» Wear at least three layers of loose fitting clothing
» Wear a knit mask to cover face and mouth
WHAT IS REQUIRED?REGULATIONS
Presenter
Presentation Notes
So what about OSHA? Osha does not have any regulation around cold stress nor do they have any special campaigns around it like heat stress, nor have any states adopted a cold stress standard specific to their state. If there is a cold stress incident, they will however fall back on the General Duty Clause and issue citations based on those parameters. “… pursuant to Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act, employers must provide their employees with a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm.”
COLD STRESS CONTROLS
{*CDC.com // NIOSH}
COLD STRESS CONTROLS
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Here you can see the Hierarchy of Control. The hierarchy of controls exists to provide guidance on to how best address a hazard generating the best overall return. Simply said, we cannot eliminate or substitute the weather, in those extreme temps I sure we all would like to think that we could. It is also very difficult to eliminate or substitute the required temperature in most indoor work settings.
ENGINEERING
Presenter
Presentation Notes
We will begin with discussing engineering controls. Engineering controls are used to remove or place a barrier between the worker and the hazard. Well-designed engineering controls can be highly effective in protecting workers and will typically be independent of worker interactions to provide this high level of protection. The initial cost of engineering controls can be higher than the cost of administrative or personal protective equipment controls, but over the long term, operating costs are frequently lower, and in some instances, can provide a cost savings in other areas of the process.
» Enclose the work area
» Control the environment with heaters and wind
breaks
» Promptly remove snow//ice in heavily traveled
areas
ENGINEERING CONTROLS
Presenter
Presentation Notes
IN a cold environment there are a number of different engineering controls available. The first being, when possible enclose a work place and control that space with heaters. Always making sure that you are following local, state or federal laws that may be required when using a heat source. Removing snow and ice from heavily traveled areas will not only reduce the chances of a slip or fall but also help keep the area warmer.
ADMINISTRATIVE
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Administrative controls and personal protective equipment are frequently used with existing processes where hazards are not particularly well controlled. Administrative controls and personal protective equipment controls are relatively inexpensive to implement.
SCHEDULING» Schedule outdoor maintenance and repair in warmer months
» Schedule workers in the warmest times of the day
» Afternoon vs. morning
» Day vs. night
» Reduce physical demands on workers
» Use relief workers or assign extra workers for long, demanding jobs
WORK SMARTER
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Proper scheduling is important. Often overlooked, this is an easy way to mitigate the side effects of working in a cold environment. Some examples included scheduling work in warmer months or times of day, if the work can be done then. This will help to reduce the physical demands of the workers and in the long run increase productivity and safety. This is not always an option and when it is not adding relief workers can more effectively distribute workload.
TRAINING & EDUCATION» Individual risk factors
» Prevention
» Symptoms
» How to monitor yourself and coworkers
» Treatment
» Proper PPE
ESSENTIALS FOR AFFECTED WORKERS
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Training is crucial. Many, if not all of the cold related illness mentioned earlier are preventable. Having a baseline understanding of how to prepare for the day, what is needed to keep a worker safe, and how to respond in an emergency can make all the difference. Teaching employees about the risk factors and symptoms will help them monitor both their own personal wellbeing but also recognize signs in others that could be experiencing a cognitive impairment due to moderate hypothermia. Treatment training in case a supervisor is not present will help ensure timely response to a situation. Providing a refresher training on cold weather safe practices BEFORE the cold season starts will also serve as a reminder in case there are a few forgetful folks in the group.
» Dehydration can also happen in cold weather!
» Symptoms can include exhaustion,
muscle fatigue, cramps, loss of
coordination, and even stroke.
HYDRATIONNOT JUST A SUMMER THING
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Another example of an administrative control is keeping workers hydrated. Dehydration is as common in winter months as it is summer months. Here is why- as I mentioned, Cold weather tends to move body fluids from your extremities to your core, increasing your urine output and adding to dehydration. So when you're in a cold climate, don't rely on thirst to tell you when you need to drink. Also, in a cold climate, below freezing temperatures, what happens when you exhale? You see your breath, or more accurately stated, you see moisture leaving your body. Its important to drink often and not rely on thirst to indicate hydration levels. A dehydrated body is more susceptible to common colds and flu, which are more prevalent in the winter.
HYDRATION
Presenter
Presentation Notes
What is the best indicator of hydration level? It’s your urine color. Shades of yellow indicate an need for water. Clear or almost clear represents adequate hydration levels. Too often workers show up to work already dehydrated. The use of alcohol, poor diet, and caffeine are all contributing factors to an individual being dehydrated. Alcohol and caffeine are diuretics which means water is not retained in the system. Education is the key to teaching people how to hydrate themselves not only at work but at home as well. using electrolyte drinks can also alter the color of the urine so it’s important to take that into consideration.
PPE
Presenter
Presentation Notes
The last control on the hierarchy is implementation of Personal Protective Equipment. There are several different types of PPE that can help regulate a person’s core body temperature, keep them less fatigued, and more productive to fight the effects of heat stress. In order for you to select the right technology for you or your workers, let me review the three most common types of cooling PPE.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT» Wear at least three layers:
1. BASE: Moisture-wicking
2. MID: Insulating
3. OUTER: Block the elements
LAYER UP
Presenter
Presentation Notes
The three layering system is recommended by industry professionals for a reason, and here is why: Base layers help to wick moisture away from the skin as well as provide an insolating layer. Keep the skin dry and warm is key. The mid layer also provides an additional insolating layer if needed. The out layer helps to provide a layer of protection from the harshest elements; wind, rain and snow. When combined the three layers can help keep you safe, and warm in the toughest conditions.
» Wear a hat
» Follow manufacturer’s guidelines when wearing
under a hard hat
» Wear a heat exchanger mask
» Choose protective outerwear
» Waterproof
» Insulated
» Breathable//ventilated
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENTFROM TOP…
» Wear insulated & water proof footwear
» Consider ice-traction devices to prevent slip/trip/fall
on ice & snow
» Keep a dry change of clothing available
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT…TO BOTTOM
» In-house training and webinars
» NEW! Introduction to Cold Stress Presentation!
» NEW! Informational Cold Stress Card
» Technical White Papers
» NEW! Cold Stress Poster
» Hydration Sticker – Urine Color Chart
» Website Collection
» Crackerjack team of Ergodytes
» PM, BDS, CSS … each here to assist!
ERGODYNE IS YOUR ONE-STOP SHOPCOLD STRESS RESOURCES
QUESTIONS?For more cold stress resources and information, please contact
For more information on where to purchase cold stress PPE and
solutions, www.ergodyne.com.
THANK YOU!
*This webinar is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information about the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional services. *This webinar provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship has been created. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. We recommend that you consult with qualified local counsel familiar with your specific situation before taking any action.
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