When the days get shorter and the winter conditions roll in, Manson deploys safety plans specifically tailored to prevent serious injuries in cold weather environments.
Planning for Work in Cold Environments
When planning work in cold environments, Manson’s Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Department and site-specific project teams must account for physical and individual factors such as type of work, levels of physical activity, and most importantly, environment.
The project teams receive industry-standard training regarding cold weather procedures such as monitoring weather and wind chill factors to modify work schedules, offer protective clothing, and when to contact emergency services.
Understanding Cold Related-Injuries
Working in cold conditions without adequate protective equipment can result in the body's core temperature falling below the typical 98.6°F, increasing the risk of serious health issues such as hypothermia, frostbite, and trench foot.
A breakdown of common cold-weather related injuries and their symptoms
Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can generate, often due to prolonged exposure to cold conditions. It can develop even at temperatures above freezing, particularly if a worker is wet. Symptoms include shivering, drowsiness, fatigue, disorientation, slurred speech, memory loss, and confusion.
Frostbite
Frostbite occurs when the skin and underlying tissues freeze due to exposure to extremely cold temperatures. The hands, feet, nose, and ears are the most common extremities affected. Symptoms include white/grayish skin, itching, burning, numbing, blistering, and pain.
Trench Foot (Immersion Foot)
Trench Foot, also called Immersion Foot, develops when the feet are exposed to cold and wet conditions for prolonged periods. Symptoms include swelling numbness, redness, shooting pain, and bleeding.
Providing Protective Clothing to Workers
Protective clothing is essential to prevent cold injuries. Workers in cold environments must wear appropriate clothing, as fabric choice matters:
Cotton loses insulation when wet.
Wool, silk, and synthetic materials retain insulation even when damp.
Recommendations for cold-weather work:
Dress in three layers:
Base layer: Wool, silk, or synthetic to wick moisture.
Middle layer: Wool or synthetic for insulation.
Outer layer: Wind and rain-resistant with ventilation to prevent overheating.
Up to 40% of body heat can be lost through the head. Wear a hat, hood, or facemask to retain body heat.
Use insulated boots or footwear.
Keep a change of dry clothing available in case work clothes get wet.
Wear loose clothing (except the base layer) to allow proper heat ventilation.
Manage perspiration effectively, as wicking and ventilation are often more critical than rain or snow protection.
Preventive Measures
To help prevent cold-related injuries, consider the following measures:
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of liquids.
Avoid caffeine, as it increases the risk of dehydration in cold weather.
Schedule heavy tasks during warmer parts of the day when possible.
Take breaks in warm areas and work in pairs to monitor each other for signs of cold stress. Avoid fatigue, as energy is needed to keep muscles warm.
Take frequent breaks and eat warm, high-calorie foods to maintain energy levels.
Clearing a Safe Path
Slip, trip, and fall hazards are a serious concern on walkways and key access points during cold weather events. Project teams should regularly perform snow removal with shovels or vehicle-mounted plows, apply de-icing salt to remove ice, and use traction sand for added slip resistance.
On slippery surfaces, load transportation tools like wheelbarrows and dollies are essential for safely moving heavy items. Additionally, it’s important to prevent overhead snow buildup to avoid dangerous falling snow or ice.
The NES-1 project team proactively removes hazardous snow buildup on a portable toilet.