MAREK MAIN MENU COMPANY SAFETY SERVICES PORTFOLIO CAREERS NEWSROOM CONTACT NEWSROOM Blog News LET'S GET SOCIAL Follow MAREK: INDUSTRY LINKS Associated General Contractors American Institute of Architects American Subcontractors Association Associated Builders and Contractors Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry Construction Citizen Construction Career Collaborative (C3) Constructor Magazine Engineering News-Record Magazine McGraw Hill National Association of Home Builders National Center for Construction Education (NCCER) National Institute of Building Sciences Texas Construction Magazine TEXO Association Texas Construction Association Click here to view the complete list. IN THE BLOG. WEEKLY TOOLBOX TALK: COLD WEATHER SAFETY Posted by Jorge Vazquez on November 5, 2021 COLD WEATHER SAFETY As the weather becomes “frightful” during winter months, construction workers who must brave the outdoor conditions face the occupational hazard of exposure to the cold. You need to be especially mindful of the weather, its effects on the body, and proper prevention techniques. Environmental conditions The following four environmental conditions are the causes of cold-related stress: Low temperatures High/cool winds Dampness Cold water When your body is unable to warm itself, serious cold-related illnesses and injuries may occur, and permanent tissue damage and death may result. Hypothermia can occur when land temperatures are below freezing or water temperatures are below 98.6 degrees Farenheit. Cold related illnesses can slowly overcome a person who has been chilled by low temperatures, brisk winds or wet clothing. Risk Factors Major risk factors for cold-related stress include the following: Wearing inadequate or wet clothing increases the effects of cold on the body Taking certain drugs or medications such as alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, and medication; they inhibit the body’s response to the cold and impair judgment Having a cold or certain disease, such as diabetes, heart, vascular, and thyroid problems, may make a person more susceptible to the winter elements. Becoming exhausted or immobilized, especially due to injury or entrapment, may speed up the effects of cold weather. Preventing cold-related disorders Wearing the right types of clothing can help in fighting the elements. You should wear at least three layers of clothing such as the following: An outer layer to break the wind and allow some ventilation; A middle layer of wool or synthetic fabric to absorb sweat and retain insulation in a damp environment Inner layers of cotton or synthetic weave to allow for proper ventilation In addition, you should do the following: Pay special attention to protecting feet, hands, face, and head. Up to 40 percent of body heat can be lost when the head is exposed. Wear insulated footgear to protect against cold and dampness. Keep a change of clothing available in case work garments become wet. Toolbox Talk: Weather COMPANY Our Story Our People Life at MAREK Our Pledge Our Community Our Industry Technology Associations Awards SAFETY Blog & News SERVICES Commercial Metal Framing & Gypsum Assemblies Building Information Modeling Ceilings & Acoustical Solutions Paint, Specialty Coatings & Wallcoverings Fabric Panels & Stretch Systems Window Treatments Special Projects Residential Turnkey Drywall Hanging & Finishing Spray Applied & Hand Trowel Textures Level 5 Smooth Finishes Reveals & Specialty Trims Sound and Fire Rated Assemblies PORTFOLIO Moody Gardens Anadarko Tower Chick-Fil-A Operations Center Circuit of the Americas Grandstand Extreme Makeover: Johnson Family Home First Baptist Church of Woodstock Habitat for Humanity Hobby Center for the Performing Arts Hunt Oil Headquarters Building IAH Airport - Polaris Club JW Marriott San Antonio McKinney Green Building RiverCenter Mall and Marriott The Alamodome The Methodist Hospital Research Institute UT Brownsville Music Building CAREERS Skilled Craft Professional Transitioning Military Safety and Wellness Life at MAREK MAREK Construction Academy NEWSROOM Blog News CONTACT Corporate Atlanta Austin Dallas Fort Worth Harlingen Houston Nashville San Antonio Locations | Corporate Office: 3539 Oak Forest Drive | Houston, Texas 77018 | 713.681.2626 | Contact Us | © 2014 Marek Brothers Systems, Inc. | All rights reserved.