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Personal Protective Equipment, First Aid, and Thermal Hazards
Published in Frank R. Spellman, Kathern Welsh, Safe Work Practices for Wastewater Treatment Plants, 2018
Frank R. Spellman, Kathern Welsh
The major injuries associated with extremes of cold can be classified as being either generalized or localized. A generalized injury from extremes of cold is hypothermia. Localized injuries include frostbite, frostnip, and trench foot:Hypothermia results when the body is unable to produce enough heat to replace the heat loss to the environment. It may occur at air temperatures up to 65°F; the body uses its defense mechanisms to help maintain its core temperature.Frostbite is an irreversible condition in which the skin freezes, causing ice crystals to form between cells. The toes, fingers, nose, ears, and cheeks are the most common sites of freezing cold injury.Frostnip is less severe than frostbite. It causes the skin to turn white and typically occurs on the face and other exposed parts of the body. There is no tissue damage; however, if the exposed area is either covered or removed from exposure to the cold then frost-nip can become frostbite.Trench foot is caused by continuous exposure to icy water. It may occur in wet, cold environments or through actual immersion in water.
Working in Extreme Temperatures
Published in Ronald Scott, of Industrial Hygiene, 2018
When exposed to cold, though not necessarily subfreezing, temperatures and to dampness, the feet slowly develop a problem called trench foot. The skin first becomes red and inflamed, then later pale and swollen. In early stages there is numbness or painful prickling. Later, ulcers form and eventually, gangrene is found.
Thermal Stressors
Published in W. David Yates, Safety Professional’s, 2015
The prevention and treatment of trench foot are similar to the treatment and prevention of frostbite. When possible, air-dry and elevate the feet, and exchange wet shoes and socks for dry ones to help prevent the development of trench foot.
A review of construction workforce health challenges and strategies in extreme weather conditions
Published in International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 2023
Sanjgna Karthick, Sharareh Kermanshachi, Apurva Pamidimukkala, Mostafa Namian
A major increase (15%) in emergency room visits by workers for cold-related injuries such as slips and falls (CP11) has been observed with every degree that the temperature falls during cold weather, and an increase in wind speed further increases the number of visits by 6% [49,50,51]. The rising number of slips, trips and fall-related accidents is attributed to ice, snow, limited visibility and cooling of the body [37,49]. Two-thirds of all fall events in cold weather occur on ice that is coated with snow [60]. Trench foot or immersion foot are also the result of working in cold environments [62,63]. Trench foot (CP12) is a condition in which blood vessels are inflamed to the extent that they damage organs and tissues; it is common among those who work for prolonged periods of time in temperatures that are above 0° C (32 °F). Immersion foot develops when workers stand in the same position for long periods of time, especially in cold, wet environments [61]. The terms trench foot and immersion foot are often used interchangeably; immersion foot, formerly known as trench foot, is considered a non-freezing cold injury. It is experienced by many outdoor workers, and often occurs when construction workers perform jobs, such as excavating a hole for a foundation, in cold, muddy water [63]. The symptoms of immersion foot begin with numbness and white or pale skin that changes to a shade of blue. It is often characterized by numbness and severe pain, even after heat has been restored [64,65]. Table 5 presents the physical challenges and health issues that workers encounter in extremely cold temperatures.