Table of Contents
As most of the Midwest and Northeast brace for sub-Arctic temps this weekend, we recently talked with Rachel Housman, CSP, CIH, and creator of Ally Safety and she shared some solid advice when it comes to working in extreme cold conditions.
Ergonomic Injury Risks
Ergonomic injury risks increase in the cold. Muscle strains, sprains, pains, and actual injuries increase in really cold weather. Cold stiffens muscles, tendons, and joints, which reduces flexibility and increases strain during routine tasks. We don’t always realize it, but when it’s cold out, our bodies need to warm up before heavy work just like heavy machinery. Pro Tip: Give yourself a couple minutes to stretch, walk around the jobsite and warm up, before getting into the heavy lifting, it helps to prevent long-term pain. Warm up your hands and body, take micro-breaks, and slow down when precision or force is required.
The Cold Weather & Caffeine
Caffeine makes you colder. Most of us love hot coffee on a cold day but don’t depend on it to keep you warm. Switch to cocoa after the first cup or two. Caffeine constricts blood vessels, which can make your hands and feet get colder faster in cold weather. It can also mask early warning signs of cold stress, like numbness or excessive shivering. Pro Tip: If you’re working or spending time outside in the cold, warm fluids and hydration help more than caffeine.
Hand Tools
Cold and using hand tools that vibrate can increase risk. Cold plus vibration increases the risk of circulation problems, including vibration-induced “white finger”and Raynaud’s symptoms. Reduced blood flow can lead to numbness, loss of grip strength, and slower reaction time. That’s that kind of itchy numb feeling in your hands and can result in nerve damage over time. Pro Tip: Limit exposure time, use anti-vibration gloves, keep hands warm and dry, and rotate tasks whenever possible.
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