Workers who are exposed to extreme hot or cold temperatures may be at an increased risk of injury or illness. Extreme weather is a dangerous situation that can bring on health emergencies in susceptible people, such as those without shelter, outdoor workers, or those with pre-existing health conditions.

Extreme Heat

Exposure to extreme heat can result in occupational illnesses and injuries such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat rashes. Heat can also increase the risk of injuries in workers as it may result in sweaty palms, fogged-up safety glasses, and dizziness.

Symptoms of heat stress include:  headache, heavy sweating, high body temperature, confusion, dizziness, weakness, nausea, hallucinations, or decreased urine output

 

First Aid

Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency. While first aid measures are being implemented, call 911 and get emergency medical help

  • Move the person to a shaded, cool area
  • Apply cold compresses to the head, neck, and face; or have the person wash their head, neck, and face with cold water
  • If conscious, encourage frequent sips of cool water
  • Remove unnecessary clothing such as shoes and socks
  • Use a fan to increase air movement over the person's body

 

Prevent Heat Stress

  • Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers – Use the buddy system
  • Drink frequent, small amounts of cool water (about 1 cup every 15 – 20 minutes)
  • Eat regular meals and snacks to replace salts and electrolytes lost through sweating
  • Wear reflective or light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
  • When possible, use fans to increase air movement in the work area
  • Monitor weather reports and reschedule demanding work for cooler times of the day
  • Take frequent rest periods with water breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas
  • Wear cooling vests with pockets that hold cold packs

Extreme Cold

Extremely cold, wet, or windy weather is a dangerous situation that can cause occupational illness and injuries such as hypothermia, frostbite, trench foot, and chilblains.

Symptoms of cold stress include:  shivering, fatigue, loss of coordination, pale or blue skin, dilated pupils, reduced blood flow to extremities, numbness, or aching

 

First Aid

Hypothermia is a life-threatening emergency. While first aid measures are being implemented, call 911 and get emergency medical help

  • Move the person to a warm room or shelter
  • Remove any wet clothing
  • Warm the center of their body first
  • If conscious, give the person warm beverages (Do not give alcohol)
  • Once temperature has increased, keep them dry and wrapped in a warm blanket
  • For frostbite on hands or feet, immerse the affected area in warm (not hot) water, or use body heat

 

Prevent Cold Stress

  • Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers – Use the buddy system
  • Monitor weather reports and reschedule work if needed
  • Wear appropriate clothing
    • Wear several layers of loose clothing for insulation
    • Tight clothing reduces blood circulation to the extremities
    • Be aware that some clothing may restrict movement resulting in a hazardous situation
    • Protect the ears, face, hands and feet in extremely cold or wet weather
    • Boots should be waterproof and insulated
    • Wear a hat to reduce the loss of body heat from your head
  • Move into warm locations during breaks; limit the amount of time outside
  • Carry extra socks, gloves, hats, jacket, blankets, a change of clothes, and a thermos of hot liquid. Include chemical hot packs in your first aid kit
  • Avoid touching cold metal surfaces with bare skin