Symptoms of Cold Stress?

• Pain, numbness, tingling, stinging feeling in extremities,
• Severe shivering
• Excessive fatigue, drowsiness, irritability or euphoria
• Lack of coordination, confusion or disorientation
• Severe: shivering stops, may be unable to walk or stand, pupils become dilated, pulse and breathing become slowed, and loss of consciousness can occur.

Planning considerations for working in cold conditions:

• Train employees on cold stress hazards, symptoms and prevention.
• Stay hydrated; dehydration increases the susceptibility to cold injury
• Use the buddy system to monitor each other.
• Eye protection might be needed for protection from blowing snow and sunlight
• Workers in poor physical condition or increased age could be at an increased risk of cold injury.

What can be done for a person suffering from Cold Stress/Cold Injury?

• Call 911 immediately in an emergency; otherwise seek medical assistance as soon as possible.
• Move the person to a warm room or vehicle.
• Remove wet clothes and replace with dry clothes, cover the body (including the head and neck) with layers of blankets; and with a vapor barrier (e.g. tarp, garbage bag).

Do not cover the face.

• If freezing of the tissue (frostbite) is suspected, do not try to rewarm by rubbing or applying water to the area. Loosely cover and protect the area from contact.
• Give warm sweetened drinks if the person is alert.