Page 8 - Work Force February 2025

Cold work: Stay safe when the temperatures drop
Editor’s note: Winter is upon us and with it, the potential for snow and life-threatening cold.
Cold temperatures and wind can combine to steal body heat, which
can lead to conditions such as hypothermia and frostbite.
Many of our union members work outdoors and face severe winter weather; other members are also
affected by extreme temperatures. On these pages are accounts
from CSEA occupational safety and health activists, as well as members across the state, on how they work to
stay as safe as possible as they face the challenges of cold and severe temperatures.
See more coverage on pages 2, 9-12.
Cold weather hazards involve far more than just snow
Snow and cold weather can lead
to many potential hazards that can affect every CSEA member regardless of where they work, including hypothermia, dehydration, overexertion and slips, trips and falls.
“If you see
a potentially
hazardous
situation, not just
with cold weather
but with anything,
take appropriate
action,” said Tom
Skabry, chair of our
union’s Standing
Safety and Health
Committee. “Make sure anyone nearby is safe and aware, then report it to your employer through the proper channels and follow up by
notifying your union representative.” Employers have a responsibility
to mitigate any hazards that could be present in the workplace. Risk assessment can be performed, not just by employers but by employees.
During the winter months, CSEA members may find themselves outdoors performing duties they aren’t normally accustomed to such as snow removal. This can lead to hypothermia, dehydration, back and joint injuries or even heart attacks.
“Employees may not show up dressed properly for outdoor work if they don’t perform it routinely,” said Skabry. “It’s important to dress in layers, properly hydrate and take more frequent breaks for those who aren’t accustomed to that sort of labor.”
Employers are required to provide
to workers adequate training, including best practices in snow removal and salting walkways. Working in teams can also help protect CSEA members.
Should weather conditions make traveling unsafe or leads to road closure, employees may become trapped at their workplaces, leading to extended shifts and possible understaffing if other workers are unable to travel.
In those cases, it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure adequate accommodations for employees who cannot leave.
Other potential winter hazards are slips, trips and falls. Ice and snow on improperly maintained parking lots and pathways can lead to injuries
to elbows, hips, knees and even the head, all of which can be very
serious. The moment an employee enters a workplace, even just the parking lot, any slip, trip or fall becomes a workers’ compensation case.
Winter also can bring a higher number of motor vehicle accidents, affecting any CSEA members who are required to drive while on the clock. Members can help stay as safe as possible by assessing the weather and leaving extra time for travel.
“Risk assessment is everyone’s responsibility. Mitigating any hazards is the employer’s responsibility,” said Skabry. “It’s our greatest responsibility as CSEA members to look out for each other.”
— Mathew L. Cantore
8 The Work Force
February 2025
Skabry
Cold-related illness: Know the signs to stay safe
Cold-Related Illness
Symptoms
Action Needed
Frostbite or Trench/ Immersion Foot
Redness, Numbness, Tingling, Stinging, Aching, Bluish-Waxy Skin, Grey/White Patches, Blisters
Move to a warm place. Remove wet clothing. Dry the skin. Do not walk if on feet. Immerse in warm water or put hand under armpits.
Do not rub.
Early Hypothermia
Shivering, Fatigue, Confusion, Disorientation, Loss of Consciousness
Move to a warm place. Remove wet clothing. Warm the core first. Drink warm non-alcoholic beverages. Seek medical attention as needed.
Late Hypothermia
Shivering Stops, Blue Skin, Dilated Pupils, Slow Pulse, Slow Breathing, Loss of Consciousness
Call 911. Quickly move the person to a warm place. Remove wet clothing. Warm the body core first with electric blanket or body heat. Provide CPR as necessary.
Cold-related illnesses can be an issue outdoors when temperatures fall and the wind chills rise.
It is important to know the signs, symptoms and precautions that should be taken as hypothermia can be deadly.
While there is no specific PESH/ OSHA standard to protect workers from low working temperatures, cold-related illnesses are a recognized hazard and controls can be enforced using the General
Duty Clause.
Severe cold-related situations
could be considered imminent danger.
Workers are at greatest risk of cold-related llnesses when low temperatures are combined with greater wind speeds creating the feeling of lower temperatures known as the wind chill. OSHA recommends that employers use the Work/Warm Up Schedule for a 4-Hour Shift.