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Cold Weather Emergencies
Welcome back, let’s Build Smart & Build Safe! Cold stress occurs when the body's natural defenses can no longer maintain a normal internal temperature. In the construction environment, this risk is amplified by wind chill and moisture. Understanding the physiological markers of hypothermia and Frostbite is an important safety requirement for winter operations.
A lot of people treat cold weather simply as an inconvenience, but failing to recognize the transition from "cold" to "medical emergency" leads to permanent tissue damage or fatalities.
Hypothermia: Systemic Core Cooling
Hypothermia occurs when the body’s core temperature drops below 95 degrees. It is a progressive condition that impairs physical and mental function.
Symptoms: Intense shivering (which may stop as the condition worsens), slurred speech, and loss of coordination—often referred to as "the umbles" (stumbles, mumbles, fumbles).
Action: Call 911 immediately. Hypothermia is a life-threatening emergency. While waiting for EMS, move the worker to a warm environment and replace wet clothing with dry blankets or coats.
Frostbite: Localized Tissue Freezing
Frostbite is the actual freezing of the skin and underlying tissues. It most commonly affects the nose, ears, fingers, and toes.
Symptoms: Skin that appears waxy, white, or grayish-yellow; localized numbness; and skin that feels unusually firm or hard.
Action: Move the worker to a warm, dry area immediately. Wrap the affected area loosely in sterile gauze.
Critical Warning: Never rub or massage frostbitten skin. Friction causes further cell damage to frozen tissues. Do not use heating pads or direct high heat, which can burn numb skin.
Getty Images
Site Protocols for 2026
Prevention is a matter of administrative control. To mitigate cold stress:
Monitor the Wind Chill: Use a wind-chill chart to adjust work-rest schedules.
The Buddy System: Workers must monitor coworkers for signs of disorientation or skin color changes.
Moisture Management: Wet skin cools the body 25 times faster than dry skin. Provide a dry area for workers to change out of sweat-soaked or wet base layers.
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-The Safety Man
