OSHA Cold Stress Card

With winter still in progress, OSHA is reminding employers and workers to take the necessary precautions to prevent and treat cold-related health problems.

The OSHA Cold Stress Card lists the precautions that help workers avoid serious health problems, including trench foot, frostbite and hypothermia that can be caused by exposure to cold, freezing temperatures and cold water immersion. When danger signs such as uncontrolled shivering, slurred speech, clumsy movements, fatigue and confused behavior are observed, emergency help is needed.

The laminated, fold-up card is available in English and Spanish and free to workers. It includes tips for protecting workers from winter weather, including:

• 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.
• 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.