9 factors that increase the risk of cold exposure
In the lead up to winter or where work is performed in cold environments or handling cold or frozen stock, it's important to implement effective risk management strategies to reduce the risk of cold stress injuries and illnesses. These can include hypothermia, frostbite, chilblains, trench foot, exacerbations of prior medical conditions and more.
Risk factors for cold exposure can include (but are not limited to):
- Exposure to low air temperatures (e.g. outdoors or in fridges, freezers or cool rooms)
- Exposure to wind, rain, sleet or snow
- Partial or full immersion in water
- Work performed at high altitudes
- Tasks that involve handling cold or frozen stock
- Work performed in winter at night (the body is more susceptible to the effects of cold at night due to natural drops in body temperature related to our circadian rhythm)
- The performance of labour intensive work followed by rapid cool down
- Individual factors including worker health, acclimatisation, fatigue, low body weight, pregnancy or breastfeeding, age and / or the presence of medical conditions.
- Prior consumption of alcohol and / or dehydration can also decrease a persons tolerance to the cold.
Cold exposure can also increase risk associated with other hazards such as hazardous manual tasks, exposure to hand-upper limb and whole body vibration, and slips, trips and falls. Worker concentration and alertness can also be an issue, with training of key importance for workers who are required to work in cold conditions to be fully aware of the dangers and how to recognise the signs and symptoms of cold exposure, whether in themselves or in a colleague.
Elimination of cold exposure is the number one priority. If, due to the nature of work performed at your workplace, this is not possible, risk must be effectively managed. Cold stress injuries and illnesses can be fatal or lead to ongoing ill-health and disability. Systematically risk assess all tasks and work environments to ensure that risk is adequately controlled and implement robust procedures and controls in consultation with your workforce and other relevant stakeholders. Templates that can assist you with this include:
Review your controls on a regular basis to ensure ongoing effectiveness, and always consult with your workforce on what is, or is not, working and what control strategies can be improved.
