Protecting Yourself From Cold Stress

Workers who are exposed to extreme cold or work in cold environments may be at risk of cold stress. Extremely cold or wet weather is a dangerous situation that can cause occupational illness and injuries such as hypothermia, frostbite, trench foot, and chilblains. 

Hypothermia 

A condition in which the body uses up its stored energy and can no longer produce heat. Often occurs after prolonged exposure to cold temperature.

 Early symptoms 

• Shivering 
• Fatigue 
• Loss of coordination 
• Confusion and disorientation 

Late symptoms 

• No shivering 
• Blue skin 
• Dilated pupils 
• Slowed pulse and breathing 
• Loss of consciousness 

First Aid

• Request immediate medical assistance. 
• Move the victim into a warm room or shelter. 
• Remove wet clothing. 
• Warm the center of their body first—chest, neck, head, and groin—using an electric blanket; or use skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, or towels. 
• If conscious, warm beverages may help increase the body temperature. Do not give alcohol. 
• Once temperature has increased keep them dry and wrapped in a warm blanket, including the head and neck. 
• If no pulse, begin CPR. 

Frostbite 

An injury to the body that is caused by freezing, which most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes. 

Symptoms 

• Reduced blood flow to hands and feet 
• Numbness 
• Aching 
• Tingling or stinging 
• Bluish or pale, waxy skin 

First Aid 

• Get into a warm room as soon as possible. 
• Unless necessary, do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes. 
• Immerse the affected area in warm (not hot) water, or warm the affected area using body heat. Do not use a heating pad, fireplace, or radiator for warming. 
• Do not massage the frostbitten area; doing so may cause more damage. 

Chilblains

Ulcers formed by damaged small blood vessels in the skin, caused by the repeated exposure of skin to temperatures just above freezing to as high as 60 °F. 

Symptoms 

• Redness 
• Itching 
• Possible blistering 
• Inflammation 
• Possible ulceration in severe cases 

First Aid 

• Avoid scratching
• Slowly warm the skin
• Use corticosteroid creams to relieve itching and swelling 
• Keep blisters and ulcers clean and covered

Previously featured on CDC.gov