Types of Cold Stress Illnesses
This is the freezing of skin and underlying tissue, most commonly affecting fingers, toes, ears, and the nose. Early warning signs include numbness, tingling, or pale, waxy skin. In severe cases, the tissue can become hard and blackened, sometimes requiring amputation.
What is Frostbite
M / F - You can still become dehydrated in cold weather.
Fact - Cold temperatures suppress thirst, causing workers to drink less, which can lead to dehydration and increase cold stress risk.
It is important to keep clothes this because wet clothing increases heat loss dramatically.
What is dry
This is a condition that occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, leading to health risks such as hypothermia, frostbite, or trench foot.
What is Cold Stress
This is the body’s first response to cold exposure, signaling that core temperature is beginning to drop.
What is Uncontrollable Shivering
This develops from prolonged exposure to cold, wet conditions. The feet become numb, swollen, and discolored due to restricted circulation. If untreated, blisters, open sores, or tissue death can occur. Keeping feet dry and warm is key to prevention.
What is Trench Foot
M / F: Frostbite can only happen when temperatures are below 32°F
Myth - Frostbite can occur at higher temperatures when wind chill and moisture increase heat loss from exposed skin.
These should take place in heated shelters or vehicles to allow the body to warm up and recover.
What are warm breaks
Makes the temperature feel colder and increasing heat loss, which speeds up the onset of cold stress.
What is wind chill
This is signaled by skin appearing white, gray, or waxy and lose sensation, often signaling frostbite or restricted blood flow.
What is Pale, Cold or Numb Skin
This Illness occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing the core temperature to drop below 95°F (35°C). Symptoms include shivering, confusion, slurred speech, loss of coordination, and fatigue. If untreated, it can lead to unconsciousness or death.
What is Hypothermia
M / F - Drinking alcohol helps keep you warm in cold weather.
Myth - Alcohol causes blood vessels to dilate, making you feel warm while actually increasing heat loss from your body.
Drink warm, non-caffeinated fluids and eat high-energy foods to help maintain this
What is Hydrated and Energetic
T / F - Cold stress can only occur in below-freezing temperatures.
False
This is signaled by slowed movements, clumsiness, or difficulty walking can indicate the onset of hypothermia.
What is Loss of Coordination
This occurs when the body loses fluids through respiration and sweat without adequate replacement. Cold weather reduces thirst response, leading workers to drink less water. Symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, and confusion, all of which can worsen other cold-related conditions.
What is Dehydration
M / F - Wearing multiple layers of loose clothing is better than one thick layer in the cold.
Fact - Layering traps warm air between layers and allows better temperature control and moisture management.
It is important to adjust work schedules during extreme cold, use a buddy system, and watch for early signs of cold stress in yourself and other,. This is known as This
What is Weather Monitoring
This is the degree of risk for construction workers because they often work outdoors for long periods, handle cold materials, and may not always have access to warm shelters or protective gear.
What is High Risk
This is signaled by a sudden drop in energy or alertness can occur as the body struggles to preserve heat.
What is Fatigue or Drowsiness
Inhaling cold air can cause airway constriction, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Workers with asthma or respiratory conditions are particularly susceptible. Covering the mouth and nose with a breathable face covering helps warm the air and reduce symptoms.
What is Cold Stress Asthma
M / F - ou should rub frostbitten skin to help restore warmth.
Myth - Rubbing frostbitten areas can cause more tissue damage — instead, rewarm gently with body heat or warm (not hot) water.
It is important to dress in this to stay warm, wearing lots of clothes will help maintain warmth.
What is Layers
Low temperatures, wind chill, wet conditions, and prolonged exposure are factors of this, which increase the risk oof cold stress
What are Environmental Factors
This is signaled by mental fog, disorientation, or difficulty speaking clearly are serious warning signs of reduced body temperature.
What is Slurred Speech or Confusion