Construction Workers at Risk in Cold Weather Conditions

Cold Weather Conditions Place Construction Workers at Risk in North Dakota

Know how to stay safe when working in freezing weather

Every new building project, from houses to skyscrapers, relies on skilled construction workers to get the job done. However, construction workers face incredible safety risks on a daily basis. In the United States, one in five workers killed on the job each year are construction workers, and many more are seriously injured. Certain conditions can increase the risk of on-the-job injuries, including working in cold and freezing temperatures. In fact, working in cold conditions can cause cold stress, which puts workers at serious risk of injury. Cold stress can be brought on by factors other than just cold temperatures, including working in high winds, damp areas, and in cold water.

Construction workers, especially should be aware of the risks of overexertion in cold conditions. Cold stress can lead to a number of disorders, and workers should recognize the signs and symptoms and know when to seek help:

• Hypothermia – Early signs include shivering, lack of coordination, slurred speech and memory loss. Symptoms of more severe hypothermia include severe muscle stiffness and sleepiness.
• Frostbite – Cold and aching feelings are indicators of a frostbitten area. This can be followed by numbness. The affected skin may turn from red, to purple, to white.
• Trench Foot also known as Immersion Foot – This disorder is characterized by a tingling, itching, or burning sensation. Usually caused by having your feet immersed in cold water for a long period of time.
• Chilblain – It can occur after one to five hours in cold, wet conditions and leads to swollen, tender, itchy, and painful lesions on the fingers, ears, face, and other exposed skin.

There are a number of ways both worker and employer can decrease the likelihood of cold stress injuries. Employers can allow workers to slowly acclimate to the cold temperatures and encourage use of the buddy system so the symptoms of cold stress can be quickly identified and treated. Employers can also greatly reduce the risk to workers by allowing frequent breaks out of the cold. For their part, workers should stay hydrated by drinking plenty of liquids, but avoid caffeine, which can increase a body’s water loss.

Workers can also protect themselves by wearing appropriate clothing, including multiple loose layers, a hat, and insulated boots. The Army has created a helpful acronym to help outdoor workers dress for cold weather conditions:

• C – keep it Clean
• O – avoid Overdressing
• L – wear clothing that is Loose and in Layers
• D – keep clothing Dry

Cold stress disorders can lead to significant injuries. For example, severe frostbite can require amputation of affected limbs. These disorders are even more dangerous in the construction setting. A construction worker needs to be highly alert to avoid accidents and falls. A worker experiencing confusion due to hypothermia, on the other hand, is an injury waiting to happen. Cold stress disorders need to be treated quickly. If you have experienced these symptoms on the job, you should immediately seek medical attention.

Construction workers put their safety on the line every day to complete their jobs. They deserve safe working conditions to avoid the risk of serious injury. If you suffered an injury while working in cold or freezing temperatures, let us review the circumstances to ensure you weren’t unnecessarily put in harm’s way. At the Larson Law Firm, P.C., our Minot North Dakota accident attorneys are committed to protecting workers’ rights. As skilled personal injury attorneys, we help injured workers get the compensation they deserve. Don’t wait to schedule a free initial consultation. Contact us online or by phone at 701-484-4878.