Prevent injury when working outside in cold weather
By Kent McGuire
Ohio AgrAbility program coordinator
January 26, 2011
323
It is the time of year when the days are too short, the temperature is colder, the wind is a little more brisk, and snow is always a possibility. No matter what the conditions are outside, there is still work to be done around the farm, such as feeding livestock, breaking ice in the water trough, cutting wood or loading stored grain. Even though it may be tempting to tough it out or work through it, prolonged exposure to cold, wet, and windy conditions can be dangerous, even at temperatures above freezing. Farmers who take certain medications, are in poor physical health, or suffer from illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease are at an increased risk for personal injury when working long days in cold weather. Take precautions to minimize the risk of injuries like frostbite or hypothermia during winter.
Clothing should be your first consideration when working in cold weather. Clothing should be selected to suit the temperature, weather conditions (e.g., wind speed, rain), the level and duration of activity. The following are recommendations for working in cold environments:
Wear several layers of clothing. Trapped air between layers forms a protective insulation.
Wear warm gloves, and keep an extra pair handy in case the first pair becomes wet.
Wear a suitable hat that provides protection to your head, ears, and even your face in extreme conditions. Forty percent of a persons body heat can be lost when the head is left exposed.
Use the hoods of jackets or sweatshirts for added protection for your neck, head, face and ears.
Wear appropriate footwear with warm socks. Footwear should not fit too tightly in order to allow blood flow to the feet and decrease the risk of frostbitten toes.
Wear synthetic, wool, or silk clothing next to the skin to wick away moisture. Cotton clothing can lose insulating properties when it becomes damp or wet.
Additional safety precautions while working in cold weather should include:
Avoid getting wet. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), body heat is lost 24 times faster when clothing is wet.
Take short frequent breaks in areas sheltered from the elements, to allow your body to warm up.
Avoid exhaustion and fatigue because energy is needed to keep muscles warm.
Consume warm, highcalorie foods (such as pasta) to maintain energy reserves.
Drink warm, sweet beverages, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, to prevent dehydration.
Work in pairs (buddy system), especially in remote areas, to keep an eye on each other and watch for signs of cold stress.
Have a cell phone handy to call for help in the event of an emergency.
Shielding work areas from the elements can reduce wind chill or the chances of getting wet.
Use insulating material on equipment handles, especially metal handles, when temperatures drop below 30 degrees.
For more information about the Ohio AgrAbility Program, contact Kent McGuire, OSU Agricultural Safety & Health, at mcguire.225@osu.edu or 614-292-0588.
