Be vigiliant in cold weather

Michael Presutti By Michael Presutti Staten Island Advance
on January 30, 2008 at 2:16 PM, updated January 30, 2008 at 3:48 PM

Last week, while watching the pain in the faces of the Green Bay Packers and the New York Giants as they slugged it out on the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field, I was reminded of things you have to be careful about when working and playing in the great outdoors in the cold weather.

Recently the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released some very helpful information about working in cold weather.

While some of OSHA's guidelines are more applicable to the workplace, they also can be applied when working around the house.

Although it is best to put off outside tasks until more clement weather, sometimes you have to brave the cold. When you do, here are some tips that should help keep you safe.

Recognize possibly dangerous environmental and workplace conditions. Cold weather changes our working environment; things get harder and slippery. A rung on a ladder, a saturated sheet of plywood -- any surface you can imagine becomes more difficult to work on, increasing the chances of slipping and falling. Add to this that cold weather forces us to bundle up making us less agile as if we were astronauts in cumbersome space suits working on the surface of the moon.


Learn the signs and symptoms of cold-induced illnesses and injuries and what to do if they occur. Everyone -- from commuter to contractor -- should learn how fast frostbite or hypothermia can set in. Hypothermia can gradually lower your body temperature, not noticeable until it's too late, and frostbite, referred to technically as "chilblains," is a condition where parts of the body actually freeze.

The severity of frostbite varies by time, temperature, exposure, and conditions such as snow and wind, but one has to exercise caution in temperatures below 23 degrees.

Since frostbite restricts blood flow to the affected areas of the body, those with circulatory problems such as heart conditions and diabetes should be extra cautious. Mild frostbite doesn't cause lasting damage, but severe frostbite can and may even lead to amputation.

Always wear proper clothing for cold, wet and windy conditions, including layers that can be adjusted to changing conditions. If you get wet, head indoors and remove your wet clothes.

Try to limit your time outside and be sure to take frequent breaks in warm, dry shelters to allow your body to warm up. You also can try to schedule your work for the warmest part of the day, preferably when the sun is shining. Temperatures in sun and shade can vary dramatically. 


Avoid exhaustion or fatigue, because energy is needed to keep muscles warm; just standing outside in the cold means your body is working overtime.

Shoveling snow sends many folks to the emergency room each year, so take your time and ask for help, especially if you typically don't exercise or are in less than adequate physical shape. It's always good to work with another person anyway. OSHA suggests using a "buddy system" so one person can recognize danger signs and summon help and render assistance if something happens.

As far as eating and drinking is concerned, OSHA suggests warm, sweet sugary beverages -- i.e. sports-type drinks -- and warns against caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, sodas or hot chocolate. Alcohol is definitely out, as it can can dull the senses, making cold-related symptoms less obvious. Eating high-calorie foods, like hot pasta dishes, is recommended, since they provide more fuel for the body to burn.

It's also important to know your body, and its limitations. And be aware that certain medications and conditions, including diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease, can increase one's risks in the cold weather.