Spring doesn’t officially begin for about 3 more weeks, but encourage your workers not to wait for spring weather to engage in outdoor activities to stay fit.
Remind employees that even though it may still be winter outside they still need to get outside for fresh air and enough daily sunlight for vitamin D absorption and to avoid seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But do warn them that cold temperatures add hazards to outdoor activities.
First, make sure your workers know how to determine if they are too cold. When they’re outdoors this winter, they need to keep a constant awareness of their condition. For example, are they experiencing:
- A loss of feeling (numbness)?
- Whitish skin?
- Blisters?
If so, they might have frostbite.
Or are they—or is someone they’re with—experiencing:
- Uncontrollable shivering?
- Drowsiness?
- Disorientation?
- Slurred speech?
- Exhaustion?
If so, they might have hypothermia.
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Next, give your workers the following information about both of these cold weather hazards:
- Frostbite is a severe reaction by the skin to cold that can permanently damage fingers, toes, the nose, and the earlobes.
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FIRST AID FOR FROSTBITE: If medical help is not immediately available, slowly rewarm affected areas, but do not soak in hot water, rub with your hands, or use a heat source. Water between 102ºF and 110ºF can be used to warm the affected area. Pour in some additional warm water at times to maintain the water temperature.
- Hypothermia occurs when the entire body becomes cold, and the body’s core temperature drops below 95˚F. See sidebar for hypothermia symptoms.
FIRST AID FOR HYPOTHERMIA: Keep the victim as warm as possible until medical help arrives. If the body temperature continues to drop, unconsciousness or even heart failure may result. Warm the body first and then the arms and legs, using blankets. Get the person into dry clothing if possible. Do not give the person any alcohol or hot beverages or food.
Also inform your workers that the use of certain drugs for diabetes, heart and vascular conditions, and thyroid problems can increase the risk of cold-related problems. So can alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine. Urge them to speak with their medical professional about the medications they take.
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Finally, give your workers these tips on how to keep warm outdoors this winter:
- Wear several layers of loose-fitting, natural-fiber clothing. Air trapped between the layers helps to insulate your body. Outer garments should be of tightly woven, waterproof material.
- Wear a hat. Half of the body’s heat is lost through the top of the head.
- Wear earflaps, a hood, a scarf, and/or a face mask if it’s windy. Use the scarf to cover your mouth in order to protect your lungs from frigid air.
- Wear mittens or gloves that fit snugly at the wrist, sturdy shoes, and two layers of warm socks to protect your extremities.
Why It Matters
- Staying fit is critical to good health, less absenteeism, and continued productivity year round.
- Outdoor activities can continue to be a part of overall fitness as long as people know how to deal effectively with cold weather hazards.
- You can give your workers the information they need to stay safe in the cold.