2017 News

Cold-Weather Tips for Health

Cold-Weather Tips for Health
01.16.2017

Prevent Cold-Weather Health Problems

Extended exposure to cold weather causes internal body temperatures to fall, which can lead to serious or life-threatening health issues – hypothermia, frostbite, trench foot and heart attacks, for example. If you or your employees work outdoors in cold environments, it’s critical to take precautions.

OSHA offers these tips [1]:

  • Recognize the environmental and workplace conditions that may be dangerous.
  • Learn the signs and symptoms of cold-induced illnesses and injuries and what to do to help workers. (See below.)
  • Train workers about cold-induced illnesses and injuries.
  • Encourage workers to wear proper clothing for cold, wet and windy conditions, including layers that can be adjusted to changing conditions.
  • Be sure workers in extreme conditions take a frequent short break in warm dry shelters to allow their bodies to warm up.
  • Try to schedule work for the warmest part of the day.
  • Avoid exhaustion or fatigue because energy is needed to keep muscles warm.
  • Use the buddy system - work in pairs so that one worker can recognize danger signs.
  • Drink warm, sweet beverages (sugar water, sports-type drinks) and avoid drinks with caffeine (coffee, tea, sodas or hot chocolate) or alcohol.
  • Eat warm, high-calorie foods such as hot pasta dishes.
  • Remember, workers face increased risks when they take certain medications, are in poor physical condition or suffer from illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension or cardiovascular disease.

[1] https://www.osha.gov/as/opa/cold_weather_prep.html

Spot these 4 cold-weather health problems:

  1. Hypothermia can occur when body temperature drops to 95°F or less. Potentially fatal, symptoms of hyperthermia begin with feeling cold, shivering and becoming socially withdrawn. Advanced symptoms include confusion, sleepiness, slurred speech and a slowing heart rate.

    What to do: If someone has any of these symptoms, get them to a warm environment as soon as possible, carefully remove any wet clothing and wrap them in something warm (such as blankets, coats or towels); cover their head and torso first. Call 9-1-1.

  2. Frostbite can cause reduced blood flow to hands and feet, numbness, tingling or stinging, aching, and bluish or pale, waxy skin. Commonly affected areas include the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers or toes. Because frostbite can permanently damage body tissue, severe cases can require amputation.

    What to do: If you see signs of frostbite, get out of the cold immediately. Gently rewarm affected areas by immersing in warm water (it should feel very warm, but not hot). Never rub, massage, or put snow on the frostbitten area. Do not use heating devices such as heating pad, lamp or other heat sources because these can cause burns. Take pain medication to reduce pain and inflammation, and avoid walking on frostbitten feet or toes. Normal blood flow is being returned when the skin turns red, tingles and burns. If numbness or pain continue or if blisters develop during warming, seek emergency medical attention.

  3. Trench foot occurs when feet are immersed in cold water or mud for a long time, which can damage the skin, blood vessels and nerves. This can cause surface tissue to die, turn feet black and cause gangrene. Early symptoms include numbness, change of color, swelling and unpleasant odor.

    What to do: If you notice any of these symptoms, thoroughly clean and dry the feet, apply warm packs to or soak feet in warm water for about five minutes. Wear clean socks each day; do not wear socks at night. Seek medical assistance as soon as possible.

  4. Heart attacks are more common in the winter as the heart works harder to maintain body heat. Cold weather is particularly dangerous for people with existing heart conditions. Warning signsofheart attack might include pain in the chest, shoulder blades, arm, jaw or upper abdomen, as well as shortness of breath, sudden fatigue or dizziness, sweating, nausea, vomiting, irregular heartbeat and/or blue tingetoskin.


    What to do: 
    Immediately call 9-1-1.

About Baker Group

Founded in 1963 and with more than 600 employees across Iowa, Baker Group is the Midwest’s premier full-service specialty contractor providing mechanical, sheet metal, electrical, building automation, process automation, security systems, fire alarm systems, parking/revenue controls and 24/7/365 service. 

News

Best of Des Moines 2023

Best of Business Record Award

Baker Group was recognized by readers of the Des Moines Business Record for best Mechanical Contractor, Electrical Contractor, Security Company and Best Company to Work For in 2023.

Top Workplaces

Best of Business Record Award

For a seventh consecutive year, Baker Group was recognized by the Des Moines Register as one of the Top Workplaces in the state.