Safety Reference Guides

Tips to Combat the Cold Weather

How to Prevent Frostbite and Hypothermia

Prolonged exposure to low temperatures, wind or moisture - whether it is on a ski slope or in a stranded car - can result in cold-related illnesses such as frostbite and hypothermia. The National Safety Council offers these tips to help you spot and put a halt to these winter hazards:

How to detect and treat cold-related illnesses

Frostbite is the most common injury resulting from exposure to severe cold. Grey or yellowish patches on the affected areas characterize superficial frostbite. The skin remains soft and pliable, but becomes red and flaky after thawing. Treat superficial frostbite by taking the victim inside immediately and warming the affected areas with warm, no hot, water.

Deep frostbite usually affects the feet or hands and is characterized by waxy, pale, solid skin which may turn blue or purple upon thawing. Large blisters may also appear. Treat frostbite by moving the victim indoors and seeking medical attention immediately.

Hypothermia occurs when the body's temperature drops below 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Symptons of this condition include uncontrollable shivering, impaired speech and clumsy movements. Severe hypothermia may produce rigid muscles, dark and puffy skin, irregular heart and respiratory rates, and unconsciousness.

Treat hypothermia by protecting the victim from further heat loss and calling for immediate medical attention. Carefully remove the victim's clothing if it is wet, but avoid rubbing the victim's skin. Give artificial respiration or CPR (if you are trained) as necessary.

How to prevent cold-related illnesses

Avoid frostbite and hypothermia when you are exposed to cold termperatures by eating a well-balanced diet and drinking warm, non-alcoholic, caffeine-free liquids to maintain fluid levels.

Avoid becoming wet, as wet clothing loses 90 percent of its insulating value. Think ahead and wear warm clothing underneath rain gear.

Information from the Wisconsin Council of Safety website, www.wcswmc.org/facts/healthliving.htm.

The Scoop About Snow Shoveling

While shoveling snow can be good exercise, it can also be dangerous for optimistic shovelers who take on more than they can handle. The National Safety Council offers the following tips to help you get a handle on safe shoveling:

• Individuals over the age of 40, or those who are relatively inactive, should be especially careful.
• If you have a history of heart trouble, do not shovel without doctor's permission.
• Do not shovel after eating or while smoking.
• Take it slow! Shoveling (like lifting weights) can raise you heart rate and blood pressure dramatically, so pace yourself. Be sure to stretch out and warm up before taking on the task.
• Shovel only fresh snow. Freshly fallen, powdery snow is easier to shovel than the wet, packed-down variety.
• Push the snow as you shovel. It's easier on your back than lifting snow out of the way.
• Don't pick up too much at once. Use a small shovel, or fill only one-fourth or one-half of a large one.
• Lift with your legs bent, not your back. Keep your back straight. By bending and "sitting" into the movement, you'll keep your spine upright and less stressed. Your shoulders, torso and thighs can do the work for you.
• Do not work to the point of exhaustion. If you run out of breath, take a break. If you feel tightness in your chest, stop immediately.
• Dress warmly. Remember that extremities, such as the nose, ears, hands and feet, need extra attention during winter's cold. Wear a turtleneck sweater, cap, scarf, face protection, mittens, wool socks and water boots.

For more information on this topic, go to http://www.wcs.wmc.org/facts/healthyliving/outside/snowshov.htm.

Source: The Safe Side: Know Risk
Department of Administration
Bureau of State Risk Management and the Wisconsin State Employees Union
Volume IV, Issue 2