How a Managed Uniform Program Can Help Protect Outdoor Workers from “Cold Stress”
December 11 2017 - 8:03AM
As the winter season begins, keeping outdoor workers safe from
falling air temperatures is a priority for many businesses across
the country, even in regions that are not accustomed to frigid
winter weather. According to the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA), exposing workers to extreme cold, near
freezing temperatures, wet conditions, and wind chill are all
considered risk factors for “cold stress.”
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Cold stress occurs when a person’s skin temperature decreases,
and eventually the internal body temperature along with it. When
the body is unable to warm itself, serious cold-related illnesses
and injuries may occur, along with the potential for permanent
tissue damage and even death. The most common types of cold stress
include hypothermia, frostbite, and trench foot.
Colder temperatures can affect any outdoor worker exposed for
extended periods, including those who work in facility management,
snow cleanup, construction, electric utilities, and
roadside-related. Other workers who could be affected include those
working in transit, baggage handling, water transportation,
landscaping services, and oil and gas operations. Cold stress can
also be brought on when outdoor workers return to work after a long
absence, or for others who are new to the job, as their bodies may
not be as accustomed to the weather conditions.
Even workers in warmer climates (above freezing) can be exposed
to the effects of cold stress from increased and sustained wind
speeds, which can cause heat to leave the body more rapidly (wind
chill effect). Wetness or dampness caused by precipitation and body
sweat can also facilitate heat loss from the body.
Dressing properly, including selecting garments constructed with
protective fabrics if applicable, is one of the best ways for
businesses to help prevent cold stress from affecting their
workers. “Cotton, for example, is not always the best choice for
outdoor workers since it can lose its warming value when it becomes
wet from either inclement weather or perspiration. Instead, outdoor
workers are often better protected when wearing other fabric
options, such as those with built-in technology to wick away
moisture, helping keep wearers warm and dry all day long,” says
Adam Soreff, director of marketing and communications at UniFirst
Corporation (NYSE:UNF), a North American leader in providing
customized work uniform programs, corporate attire, and facility
service products. “A managed workwear program can take the worry
out of ensuring workers are properly dressed for the elements
during the winter season, helping defend them from cold stress, and
keeping them on the job, happy, and productive.”
Businesses can benefit from a managed uniform program by
receiving expert assistance from a reputable service provider who
can review work requirements and help identify the right types of
garments needed to effectively protect their outdoor workers. Other
benefits of a managed uniform program include weekly uniform
laundering and maintenance, quality inspections, and mending and
replacing of garments as needed.
The following are 10 tips to consider, many of which are
endorsed by OSHA, to help protect workers from cold stress:
- Wear at least three layers of loose-fitting clothing, designed
with the appropriate types of fabrics, as proper layering provides
improved insulation from the elements.
- Select garments close to the body that are made with
“breathable” fabrics, such as moisture-wicking synthetics, to help
workers stay dry and comfortable.
- Choose outer garments that are insulated but do not have much
added bulk that could interfere with worker mobility.
- Consider outerwear that is water repellent to aid worker
protection from rain, sleet, or snow.
- Select outer garments that also have built-in ventilation to
help prevent excessive sweating and keep workers dry.
- Wear a hat or hood to help keep the entire body warm; hats
reduce the amount of body heat that escapes.
- Use a knit mask to cover and help protect the face and mouth.
Wraparound eye protection can also help preserve body heat and
prevent eyes from drying out due to cold.
- Use insulated gloves to protect the hands.
- Wear double-layer thermal socks and insulated, waterproof
footwear.
- Ensure workers take regular breaks and, when possible, warm up
indoors with hot beverages (no alcohol) to increase body
temperature.
While working outdoors in the winter can be challenging,
following these basic tips and participating in a managed uniform
program can help businesses protect outdoor workers from the
effects of cold stress, allowing them to consistently get the job
done safely.
About UniFirst: Headquartered in Wilmington,
Mass., UniFirst Corporation (NYSE:UNF) is a North American leader
in the supply and servicing of uniform and workwear programs, as
well as the delivery of facility service programs. Together with
its subsidiaries, the company also provides first aid and safety
products, and manages specialized garment programs for the
cleanroom and nuclear industries. UniFirst manufactures its own
branded workwear, protective clothing, and floorcare products, and
with 250 service locations, over 300,000 customer locations, and
14,000 employee Team Partners, the company outfits nearly 2 million
workers each business day. For more information, contact UniFirst
at 800.455.7654 or visit UniFirst.com.
Donna Kish, PR/CommunicationsPhone: 978.527.3871Email:
Donna_Kish@unifirst.com
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