Working in Cold Conditions (Spanish)

Course Description:

Cold conditions present hazards that may seriously impact worker health and safety. The objective of this online training course is for employees to review the hazards posed by cold conditions and learn valuable methods for preventing and responding to health or safety incidents. At the end of this training session, employees will be able to understand the body’s reaction to cold conditions, recognize and respond to cold-related illnesses and injuries, know the risk factors of working in cold conditions, and take preventive actions to minimize these risk factors.

Why “Working in Cold Conditions (Spanish)” Matters:

Hypothermia is a serious medical condition that is potentially fatal to workers. While most cases of hypothermia occur in air temperatures between 30 degrees Fahrenheit (°F)  and 50°F, significant hypothermia can occur in air temperatures as high as 65°F or water as warm as 72°F.

If a worker’s body temperature falls below 95°F, it is considered an emergency that requires immediate medical attention.

Frostbite may lead to tissue death, amputation, or permanent inability to use an appendage.

A worker may not be aware he or she is suffering from frostbite due to numbness in the affected area. Not seeking medical care and remaining in the cold environment can lead to more serious injuries.

Similarly, low body temperature can impair a worker’s judgment so that he or she does not realize that he or she is suffering symptoms of a cold-related disorder.

Dehydration is fairly common for workers in cold conditions because workers tend to feel less thirsty and drink less liquid.

Workers can be more susceptible to cold-related illnesses and injuries depending on age, health, and medical conditions.

Key Points:

• Can you recognize the symptoms of cold-related conditions such as hypothermia and frostbite?
• Are you prepared to seek help if you experience any symptoms of a condition, or get help for a co-worker if you suspect it’s needed?
• Do you know how to reduce the risks and hazards of working in the cold through means such as engineering and administrative controls, and the use of protective clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE)?
• Are you prepared to put safe work practices into action?