How to Protect Construction Workers from Cold Stress

There are plenty of hazards to be aware of on a construction site, especially in the winter months. One hazard which is often overlooked in freezing conditions is cold stress. When working on site, it's important you recognise the signs and take the necessary measures to avoid cold stress as it could have a big impact on your health.

Read on to find out what cold stress is and how you can avoid the condition when working out on a cold construction site for long periods.

What is cold stress?

Cold stress occurs when the body can no longer regulate and maintain a normal bodily temperature. You can develop a number of illnesses & conditions such as hyperthermia and chilblains that could potentially result in bodily harm or worse, death.

The colder the environment becomes, the harder the body has to work in order to maintain its temperature. If precautions haven't been taken to prevent this from happening, it can become dangerous.

Signs of cold stress.

It is important to be aware of the signs of cold stress, especially as some are more subtle than others. Signs of cold stress include -

• Confusion
• Lack of Alertness
• Blue Lips and/or Fingers
• Stiff Muscles
• Shivering

How to avoid cold stress.

There are plenty of measures which can be taken in order to avoid and prevent cold stress.

Wear the right clothing

How many times were we been told to wrap up when it's cold when we were younger? Well it's no different now we're older!

Make sure to dress in layers with the innermost layer being one that is sweat absorbing. The layers should then include a fleece type item followed by a waterproof. Wear thick, thermal socks or if you don't have any, double up with the pairs you have. One to absorb sweat and another to insulate, just like your upper body clothing layer.

If the conditions are wet, make sure to wear waterproof footwear.

We have a wide range of workwear from jackets, fleeces, insulated hat & gloves as well as wellies. Check them all out here.

Use heaters

Where possible make sure to use heating equipment like blow heater or electric heaters to keep the air as warm as possible. It might not be possible to have them every where on site but having them in communal areas such as staff rooms or canteens can help you get warm whilst you're on your break. In addition, make sure all workers are aware of the signs of cold stress and keep check on themselves and others.

More breaks

To keep yourself and your colleagues out of the cold for as long as possible, have more frequent breaks where you can all go to a heated area.

Avoid touching metal

Temperatures can drop well below zero in the winter months and when they do, some surfaces must be avoided.

When temperatures reach -7 or below, do not touch metal with bare hands to avoid frostbite. Always make sure you're wearing gloves (whether you're touching metal or not!).

Train staff

Training your staff to recognise cold stress signs is important for keeping everyone safe when working. Everyone must know what to look out for and who to report to if they or someone else falls ill from cold stress.

Keeping everyone safe in colder working conditions.

Following the above steps is the difference between life and death - without sounding too dramatic! But it is, unfortunately, a reality. Taking the proper precautions in colder working conditions to prevent cold stress means you can hopefully avoid illness and conditions that can seriously harm your health.

Please be as warm and safe as you can when working on construction sites in cold conditions and if you have any questions or queries about thermal workwear or portable heaters, get in touch with our live chat experts or contact your local HSS branch.