Protect Workers from Frostbite

Snow and frigid temperatures have spread across the U.S., and many outdoor workers are not yet accustomed to the cold. Now is a good time to remind employees of the risk, symptoms and appropriate first aid response for cold stress. 

Extremely cold or wet weather is a dangerous situation that can cause occupational illness and injuries such as hypothermia, frostbite, trench foot, and chilblains. Here are some frostbite tips from NIOSH:

What is Frostbite?

• An injury to the body that is caused by freezing, which most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes.
• Symptoms
• Reduced blood flow to hands and feet
• Numbness
• Aching
• Tingling or stinging
• Bluish or pale, waxy skin

Appropriate First Aid:

• Get into a warm room as soon as possible.  
• Unless necessary, do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes.  
• Immerse the affected area in warm (not hot) water, or warm the affected area using body heat. 
• Do not use a heating pad, fireplace, or radiator for warming. 
• Do not massage the frostbitten area; doing so may cause more damage.

Resources:

• Download a NIOSH cold stress fact card (pdf).
• Visit the OSHA Winter Weather page. 
• Browse first aid signs and labels here.