Cold temperatures can be a danger to employers and their workers. The human body can only tolerate so much exposure to the cold. Once the body can no longer warm itself, the person may experience a range of painful conditions, including chilblains (painful inflammation of blood vessels in the skin that causes itching, skin ulcers, swelling, burning, and red patches), trench foot, frostbite, and hypothermia.
Workers are at risk of cold stress when exposed to temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius). Sustained exposure to freezing temperatures can lead to permanent injury and even death. Others, such as those with poor circulation and existing health issues, may be more susceptible to lower temperatures, increasing their risk of injury.