If you work in or are exposed to extremely cold environments you run the risk of a condition known as cold stress. Not only can this be induced by cold outdoor weather, you could be exposed to cold stress if you work in chilled environments for prolonged periods of time, without the right level of protective clothing.
What types of illnesses are caused by cold stress, though, and how can you tell if somebody suffering from this type of condition?
We highlight some of the most serious illnesses here, and give you tips on how to deal with them.
Hypothermia
What it is:
If your body is exposed to low temperatures for prolonged periods of time it loses heat faster than it can produce it. When the core body temperature reaches an abnormally low rate, this can result in hypothermia.
What to look for:
- Excessive shivering
- Signs of fatigue
- A loss of coordination
- Feeling confused or disorientated
If the symptoms persist and the person doesn’t receive treatment they can develop –
- Blue skin
- Dilated eyes
- Lowered pulse rate and shallow breathing
- A lack of consciousness
Treatment:
- Place person in a warm room
- Take off any wet clothing
- Provide a warm beverage such as tea
- Wrap the person in a warm blanket
- Get medical assistance
Chillblains
What it is:
This is a condition caused by impaired circulation when the skin is exposed to cold temperatures. In the vast majority of cases, it affects sensitive areas such as the fingers, toes, ears and nose and can be fairly painful.
What to look for:
- Red swellings
- Blistering of the skin
- Itching
- Swollen glands
Treatment:
- Prevent scratching
- Gradually warm the skin
- Use a soothing lotion like calamine
- Speak to a GP if symptoms persist
Frostbite
What it is:
Caused by extreme exposure to freezing conditions, frostbite can permanently damage body tissue. Typically, there are three stages of frostbite consisting of early, intermediate and advanced periods. Symptoms gradually increase the longer the person is exposed to the conditions, in the most severe cases, body tissue is so severely damaged, amputation is the only answer.
What to look for:
- Early warning signs indicating pins and needles
- Numbness
- Cold, white skin initially, this can become bluish and blotchy as the condition develops
- In advanced cases, thick black scabs form on the skin as it thaws
- Aching in affected areas
Treatment:
- Remove the person to a warm area
- Make sure they don’t walk on frostbitten feet
- Warm the body using blankets
- Do not rub the affected area
- Replace wet or damp clothing with dry garments if required
Extreme cold can be hazardous to health with near freezing conditions contributing to conditions such as cold stress. Obviously, if you are working in freezing conditions the right level of body protection should be used to prevent this risk, wrap up well if you are working in coldstores on a regular basis.