Hypothermia and Cold Stress Management
Occupational Health › Welfare › Hypothermia and Cold Stress Management
Hypothermia and Cold Stress Management
Construction workers are regularly exposed to cold, wet, and windy conditions that can cause hypothermia and cold stress. Core body temperature can drop dangerously when workers are wet, fatigued, or not wearing adequate clothing. Early recognition and prompt action are essential to prevent a medical emergency. This talk covers the signs of hypothermia and the controls needed to protect workers during cold weather.
- Provide warm, dry welfare facilities with heating for regular rest breaks during cold weather.
- Schedule frequent warm-up breaks and rotate workers between exposed and sheltered tasks.
- Issue thermal base layers, insulated gloves, and weatherproof outer clothing as appropriate.
- Monitor workers for early signs of cold stress including shivering, confusion, and clumsiness.
- Ensure hot drinks and warm food are available during cold weather shifts.
- Adjust working hours to avoid the coldest periods of the day where practicable.
- Brief operatives on recognising hypothermia symptoms in themselves and their colleagues.
- Provide wind breaks and temporary shelters at exposed work locations.
- Ensure wet clothing is changed promptly; never allow workers to continue in soaked clothing.
If a worker shows signs of severe hypothermia such as confusion, drowsiness, or loss of consciousness, call 999 immediately. Move them to a warm sheltered area. Remove wet clothing and wrap in blankets. Do not rub the skin or apply direct heat.
- Take regular warm-up breaks in heated welfare facilities during cold weather working
- Wear appropriate thermal layers and change wet clothing as soon as possible
- Watch your colleagues for early signs of hypothermia including shivering and confusion
- Report any symptoms of cold stress to your supervisor immediately for assessment
- Hot drinks and warm food should be available on site during cold weather shifts
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