hypothermia

Items Tagged with 'hypothermia'

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Safety Talk

Hypothermia dangers increase as fatigue sets in and thought processes slow down

January 20, 2022

Hypothermia is a condition caused by a general cooling of the body which drops a person’s internal core temperature below 98.6 degrees F. Most of us have experienced at least mild hypothermia when the body core temperature reaches 95 degrees F, which causes the body to shiver in efforts to generate more internal heat.

Kayak guide dies after plunge in icy water

January 16, 2018

OSHA has cited a Wyoming kayak company for training and clothing deficiencies, after one of its guides died of hypothermia when an attempt to rescue a client went awry. The incident occurred on June 14, 2017 and claimed the life of 23-year-old Timothy Hayden Ryan of Salt Lake City.

From the NIOSH Director’s Desk

Working in the cold

Dr. John Howard

January 8, 2018

Depending on where you reside and work this season, Old Man Winter might be knocking on your door, bringing you snow, ice, and chilling temperatures. For those in warmer areas of the country, it may be difficult to imagine some winter weather extremes. For instance, according to the NOAA National Climate Extremes Committee, the existing record for lowest temperature in the United States was -80°F (-62.2°C) in Prospect Creek, Alaska, in 1971.

Don't underestimate frostbite danger

January 3, 2018

With a large swath of the nation in the grip of icy cold temperatures, frostbite is a very real hazard for anyone who must spend time outdoors. Frostbite is a serious condition that’s caused by exposure to extremely cold temperatures - a bodily injury caused by freezing that results in loss of feeling and color in affected areas.

Coping with cold stress

Brenda Jacklitsch MS

November 28, 2016

For many, a sweater or an extra degree on the thermostat is all that’s needed to keep warm at work on a cold day. Not so for those working outside or in an area that is poorly insulated or without heat.

Working in a winter wonderland

Four things to know about snow

A U.S. DOL Blog post

January 22, 2016

Here are four things every employer should know in the winter: 1. What do I need to know about shoveling snow? Shoveling snow can be a strenuous activity, particularly because cold weather can be taxing on the body, and can create the potential for exhaustion, dehydration, back injuries, or heart attacks.

Heavy snowfall, frigid temps cause special hazards for workers

How to stay informed, reduce risk

January 3, 2014

While the record snowfalls slamming a large swath of the U.S. are keeping many people indoors, some who work outdoors or whose jobs involve driving do not have that option.

Prevent cold stress on the job

October 2, 2013

The following frequently asked questions — answered by OSHA — will help workers understand what cold stress is, how it may affect their health and safety, and how it can be prevented.

What's black and white and one of the first things an OSHA officer will look for during an inspection? The answer is … your written safety and health plans!