Whether you’re de-icing a plane in Chicago, or you’re a snow blower in upstate New York, or a commercial fisherman in Alaska or Canada, all outdoor workers must be aware of the risks and dangers associated with cold weather. One winter culprit is frostbite, which can seriously damage workers’ hands and fingers within five minutes in subzero temperatures. Wearing proper winter gloves is one preventative measure that can help outdoor workers keep their hands warm and safe from the perils of winter weather.
According to the National Safety Council, frostbite is “the most common injury resulting from exposure to severe cold, and it usually occurs on fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks and chin.” Frostbite is not pretty and can cause permanent damage to a workers’ hands or fingers, including amputation. As a cold injury to the skin, frostbite damages fingers and hands similar to the way burns do. It causes discoloration, swelling, numbness and a prickling sensation, blisters, and in severe cases, tissue death, which is called necrosis.