The data doesn’t lie: Seasons are becoming more extreme.
And the ever-increasing unpredictability of Mother Nature is
making it harder than ever for workers exposed to her wild
weather swings to prepare.
Take the record-setting winter of 2017-2018, for example.
Long stretches of extreme cold matched with powerful
blizzards put much of North America in a deep freeze many
have not seen in their lifetime. Even areas like Louisiana,
Texas and Florida were impacted by sizable snowfall and temps
that plummeted well below average. In many parts of the U.S.,
winter didn’t release its grip until well into April.
With these cold-weather extremes as a backdrop, it’s more
important than ever to be able to properly identify the most
common cold-related illnesses, knowing what treatments to
seek and how to prevent them in the first place.
Know the Risk
When the body temperature drops below 98.6° F (or 37° C),
blood begins to flow away from the extremities to heat
the body’s core. This immediately cools exposed skin and
extremities, and increases the risk of cold stress, specifically
frostbite and hypothermia. According to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), early signs and
symptoms of cold stress include shivering, fatigue and
confusion or disorientation. They can evolve to include
blue skin, a slow pulse, and even loss of consciousness.
Ergodyne Cold Stress Guide 5
// COLD STRESS OVERVIEW
Cold Related Illnesses
Hypothermia, frostbite and trench foot are the most common
cold-related illnesses.
Trench Foot
How it happens: Occurs in damp or wet environments that
»
are just above freezing
Symptoms: Numbness, swelling, blisters open sores. Feet
»
may turn red or blue as a result of poor blood supply. If left
untreated, trench foot can turn gangrenous
How to treat it: Remove wet socks and footwear. Clean feet
»
with warm water and dry thoroughly. Seek medical treatment
immediately and do not wear socks when sleeping or resting
Frostbite
How it happens: Blood leaves the extremities to protect
»
vital organs in the body’s core
Symptoms: White, grayish, or bluish skin. Cold, hard, or
»
waxy feel. May itch, burn, or feel numb. Blistering and
hardening of skin are signs of extreme frostbite
How to treat it: Get out of the cold, and gradually warm
»
the affected skin. Place frostbitten areas in warm – not hot
– water. Wrap affected areas in a warm blanket and seek
emergency medical help immediately
Hypothermia
How it happens: Body heat is lost faster than it’s produced.
and slow speech, hallucinations or changes in personality
How to treat it: Treat the worker very gently and do not apply
»
external heat to re-warm. In mild cases, move to warm area
and stay active. Cover head and body with dry clothes or
blankets. Drink a warm (not hot) drink. Contact emergency
medical personnel in more moderate cases. In severe cases,
hospital treatment is required
6
Prevention + Solutions
Working safely in bitter cold conditions requires planning,
regular breaks to get warm, and layering up in the right PPE.
Layering
There is no single magic garment able to adapt to the everchanging environmental variables of winter the way a proper
layering system can.
Smart solutions: A breathable, wind/water-resistant outer
»
layer, an insulating middle layer and a breathable, moisturewicking base layer provide the protective barriers needed to
combat cold. Protect extremities with thermal headwear and
work gloves. Supplement with warming packs for feet, hands
and liners
Traction
Ice and snow make for treacherous terrain that leads to nasty
slips and falls.
Smart solutions: Ice cleats that fit over workboots
»
provide
a simple solution for stable footing
Hydration
Dehydration in cold environments is a major risk especially
since lower temperatures suppress thirst (the body is focused
on regulating core temp more than fluid balance).
Smart solutions: Hydration packs encourage more
»
fluid
intake than bottles
Plan Ahead
Cold related illnesses and fatalities are 100% preventable
when you know the risks, symptoms and solutions. With expert
training, support and endless innovation, Ergodyne is here to
help you lead the way in making the Workplace a Betterplace™.
Ergodyne Cold Stress Guide 7
// LAYERING
3
2
1
8
// LAYERING
Because there is no single magic garment able to adapt to all
the ever-changing environmental variables of winter the way
a proper layering system can, experts recommend wearing at
least three layers of loose-fitting clothing.
1. Base Layers
Moisture is your enemy. Sweat and/or water on the surface of
the skin will draw heat away from the body, cooling it rapidly.
When the goal is to stay warm, productive and agile,
a moisture-wicking, quick-drying layer is key. Venting under
arms and a slightly loose, non-compression fit garment also
creates a breathable layer of air insulation.
2. Mid Layers
The human body loses 65 percent of its heat through radiation
once the air temperature drops below 68°F (20°C). And this
second layer – often your work gear or uniform – not only
provides an added layer of insulation from the cold to trap
body heat, but allows the wearer to react to changing temps
and adjust their warmth by removing or adding layers as
needed.
3. Outer Layers
Wind and precipitation pull heat away from the body
(AKA, convection). To guard against this, the third layer
features durable materials designed to stand up to abrasion,
wind, rain and snow, as well as the cold. Additionally,
insulated shells should also allow for air and moisture to
pass through to the outside, with venting adding another
level of temperature control.
Ergodyne Cold Stress Guide 9
// THERMAL WORK WEAR
6435
Thermal Base Layer - Long Sleeve Shirt
Stretch fabric, brushed interior for warmth and comfort
»
Anti-odor treatment helps you remain unscented
»
Moisture-wicking treatments keep you dry
»
Raglan sleeves, flat seams, thumb loops, and long tail cut
»
6480
Thermal Base Layer - Bottoms
Stretch fabric, brushed interior
»
for warmth and comfort
Anti-odor treatment helps
»
you remain unscented
Moisture-wicking treatments
»
keep you dry
Flat seams and tagless waistband
»
10
POCKETS
3 3
INNER OUT ER
+ REAR PO CKET
INTERIOR POCKET WITH
HEADPHONE CORD PORT
6466
Thermal Jacket
Rugged 500D Nylon shell with water-repellent-treatment
»
1600D Nylon reinforcement zones
»
Removable hood with adjustable draw cords
»
YKK® zippers
»
6471
Thermal Bibs
Rugged 500D Nylon shell
»
with water-repellent-treatment
1600D Nylon reinforcement zones
»
Full-length YKK® zippers on each
»
leg for easy on/off
Reflective accents keep
»
you safe and seen
POCKETS
0 3
INNER OUT ER
REMOVABLE PE
FOAM KNEE PADS
Ergodyne Cold Stress Guide 11
// THERMAL GLOVES
12
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