Outdoor workers at heightened risk during bitter cold
With extreme cold spreading across a large section of the U.S., the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is reminding workers whose job requires them to work outdoors in cold, wet, icy, or snowy conditions to “be prepared and be aware” to prevent cold-related illnesses and injuries such as hypothermia and frostbite.
“Exposure to cold is not just uncomfortable, it can be a potentially dangerous situation,” said NIOSH Director John Howard, MD. “It’s important to know how to protect yourself from cold when you must work outdoors—be prepared by wearing warm clothing and be aware that cold temperatures can lead to serious health problems.”