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COLD STRESS. GETTING THE JOB DONE A safe worker is a productive worker When worker capacity is impaired, so is productivity Inadequate hydration leads.

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Presentation on theme: "COLD STRESS. GETTING THE JOB DONE A safe worker is a productive worker When worker capacity is impaired, so is productivity Inadequate hydration leads."— Presentation transcript:

1 COLD STRESS

2 GETTING THE JOB DONE A safe worker is a productive worker When worker capacity is impaired, so is productivity Inadequate hydration leads to a loss in productivity When a worker is 2% dehydrated, they’re 20% less productive

3 The body maintains a balance It is constantly at work keeping an optimal performance One of the main goals is to sustain a core temperature (within any environment) It is a very sophisticated machine capable of adapting to its surroundings and activity #1 MACHINE – THE BODY

4 Often show up to work already dehydrated Alcohol consumption prior to shift Coffee and improper diet in the morning May experience other health issues – diabetes and/or hypertension Physical fitness varies between individuals Over weight Lack of exercise Poor diet BREAKING DOWN THE INDUSTRIAL WORKER

5 Hydration doesn’t Hibernate Dehydration

6 H 2 O AND YOU Essential to good health Makes up 60% of your body weight Flushes toxins out of vital organs Carries nutrients to your cells Helps regulate body temperature Lost via breathing, perspiration, urine and bowel movements

7 HYDRATION BY THE NUMBERS Average man burns 2,900 calories/day (12 cups water) Average woman burns 2,200 calories/day (9 cups water) 1 cup = 8 oz. (236 ml) of water (12) 8 oz. cups = 96 oz. (9) 8 oz. cups = 72 oz. 128 oz. = 1 gallon SOURCE: Mayo Clinic; Water: How much should you drink every day? http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/water/NU00283

8 FLUID AND NUTRIENT LOSS IN THE COLD Sweat between skin and winter clothing Numerous layers of clothing, plus more exertion increases sweating (can trap dangerous moisture) Urination (will increase in cold weather) Increased diuretics during cold weather (e.g. coffee) Fluid loss Exhaling Natural body exertion to maintain core temperature (e.g. shivering)

9 KEEPING TABS ON HYDRATION

10 COLD STRESS Understanding your environment

11 WORKERS IN THE COLD Dehydration is a leading cause of cold stress events Thirst is suppressed due to body’s priority to keep core temperature from dropping The body works hard at rest in the cold Large amounts of energy is used to keep the body warm (e.g. shivering) Body heat is reserved for vital organs first Increased urination/sensation in cold temperatures (means increase fluid loss)

12 COLD AND CAFFEINE Causes Vasoconstriction (less blood flow to extremities) Decreases body’s ability to maintain core temperature Increases urination Excessive loss of fluids and nutrients Increases fatigue Fatigue reduces productivity Fatigue can lead to injury

13 COLD STRESS SYMPTOMS COLD ILLNESSES DISORDERFACTS/SYMPTOMSAPPROPRIATE RESPONSE ChilblainsRed, swollen, itchy skin due to inflamed blood vessels. Usually occurs on the face, ears, hands and feet. Cover and protect areas immediately. Lotions and ointments can treat areas. For severe cases, consult a physician. Trench FootExtended exposure to cold and wet conditions causing multiple symptoms including swelling, tingling, numbness and pain. Go to a warm, dry place, remove wet clothing and gently dry feet. Warm the feet slowly and apply clean dry socks. DO NOT warm areas too quickly. Seek medical attention. FrostbiteThe freezing of skin and/or deeper tissue causing itching, burning, numbness and pain. Area will appear white to grayish in color and feel cold, waxy and hard. Get out of the cold. Gradually warm affected areas with blankets and body-to-body contact. Do not apply direct heat or rub affected areas. This could cause further tissue damage, especially to affected areas below skin surface. Seek medical attention. HypothermiaOccurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce heat and the core body temperature drops below 98.6ºF. As the condition worsens, be aware of slurred speech, confusion, violent shivering, weak pulse, shortness of breath and loss of consciousness. Skin may have pale to blue appearance. Get out of the cold immediately and call 911. Always handle the patient gently to keep from disturbing vital organs under low body temperatures. Remove any wet clothing and apply dry clothing when necessary. Apply any warming to the neck, chest and groin first. Do not warm extremities first due to threat of shock. Get victim to the nearest hospital immediately. A body temperature of 82ºF or below results in death.

14 ENVIRONMENT AWARENESS HOW TO USE CHART 1.Locate the day’s predicted temperature 2.Locate the day’s predicted wind speed 3.Where #1 and #2 intersect determines APPARENT WIND CHILL or WHAT IT FEELS LIKE.

15 FACTORS THAT REDUCE BODY HEAT

16 COLD, HARD PREVENTION MEASURES Remember, it is much easier to prevent cold stress conditions than to recover from them Be aware of your work environment and drink fluids with electrolytes on a regular basis throughout the day Train workforce about cold-induced illness and injuries Select proper clothing for cold, wet and windy conditions Wear a hat and gloves in addition to underwear that will keep water away from the skin Take frequent break in warm, dry shelters Perform work during warmest part of day

17 ELECTROLYTES: ESSENTIAL FOR WORKER SAFETY Electrolytes (magnesium, potassium, sodium and calcium) help maintain optimal nerve and muscle function Electrolytes are lost through perspiration and other types of normal physiological body function Sqwincher is formulated and proven to be absorbed into the body at a higher rate than plain water, allowing the body to replenish the electrolytes and minerals needed for rehydration Palatability increases proper hydration practices Stay hydrated, fueled and focused with a proper electrolyte/hydration program

18 THE ONES WE FUEL Expressing interest in their safety and welfare boosts morale When you give them a beverage that’s easy to use and tastes good, they’re going to want to drink it and, as a result, they’ll be more productive Being concerned about their intake of electrolytes sends a constant, positive message to workers

19 OSHA MATERIALS Although OSHA may not mandate a Cold Stress program it is their recommendation to provide SAFE PROCEDURES and METHODS to maintain safety and recognize hazards for all employees to prevent accidents and/or death.

20 OFFER THE PROTECTION “It’s a trade off – maintaining the body’s core temperature becomes more important than fluid balance,” Kenefick says. “Humans don’t naturally hydrate themselves properly, and they can become very dehydrated in cold weather because there is little physiological stimulus to drink.” SOURCE “Cold Weather Increases Risk of Hydration” January 28, 2005 Robert Kenefick, UNH Associate Professor of Kinesiology

21 KNOWLEDGE IS EVERYTHING For more information on Cold Stress visit: OSHA cold stress

22 THANK YOU!


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