Welcome to Safety Watch, a newsletter that provides an update on current loss-control regulatory and technical issues.

CONTENTS

NATLSCO (cover page)

OSHA’s new Cold Stress Card offers tips to protect outdoor workers

Have you followed all of OSHA's Noise Standard requirements?

These tips will help you avoid employee apathy during training

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OSHA’s new Cold Stress Card offers tips to protect outdoor workers

OSHA’s new Cold Stress Card can be downloaded for free from the Web site www.osha.gov. This is the front of the four-panel card.

With the onset of cold weather, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is reminding employers and workers to take precautions, such as those listed on its new Cold Stress Card, to prevent and treat cold-related health problems.

Prolonged exposure to freezing or cold temperatures may cause serious health problems, such as trench foot, frostbite and hypothermia.

In extreme cases, including cold water immersion, exposure can lead to death. Danger signs include uncontrolled shivering, slurred speech, clumsy movements, fatigue and confused behavior. If these signs are observed, call for emergency help.

OSHA’s Cold Stress Card provides a reference guide and recommendations to combat and prevent many illnesses and injuries. Available in English and Spanish, this laminated fold-up card is free to employers, workers and the public.

The card’s recommendations include:

• Recognize the environmental and workplace conditions that may be dangerous.

One panel on the new Cold Stress Card explains the warning signs of hypothermia, as well as the appropriate treatment that should be undertaken.

• Learn the signs and symptoms of cold-induced illnesses and injuries, and how to help workers.

• Train workers about cold-induced illnesses and injuries.

• Encourage workers to wear proper clothing for cold, wet and windy conditions, including layers that can be adjusted to changing conditions.

• Be sure workers in extreme conditions take a frequent short break in warm, dry shelters to allow their bodies to warm up.

• Try to schedule work for the warmest part of the day.

• Avoid exhaustion or fatigue because energy is needed to keep muscles warm.

• Use the buddy system: work in pairs, so that one worker can recognize danger signs.

• Drink warm, sweet beverages (sugar water, sports-type drinks) and avoid drinks with caffeine (coffee, tea, sodas and hot chocolate) or alcohol.

• Eat warm, high-calorie foods such as hot pasta dishes.

• Remember, workers face increased risks when they take certain medications, are in poor physical condition or suffer from illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension or cardiovascular disease.

Card can be downloaded for free

For free copies of OSHA’s Cold Stress Card in English or Spanish, go to OSHA’s Web site (www.osha.gov) or call (800) 321-OSHA.

Please see the related Safety Watch article, “Winter Dangers Can Threaten Employees Who Work Outdoors” in the winter 2003 issue. The article can be accessed at www.us.bureauveritas.com in the “Risk and Safety Consulting” section by selecting “Newsletter.”

For more information or assistance regarding this topic, please contact:

Tony Zoia, MS, CSP
Natlsco Risk and Safety Consulting
Phone: 800-323-9585, ext. 5379
Fax: 847-726-5271
E-mail: azoia@us.bureauveritas.com