Every year or so I like to bring up the topic of cold weather safety. Obviously, our lives cannot be put on hold just because it is cold outside. The cattle and horses need fed, troughs and water lines are froze-up, and neither the flatbed or the tractor will start. Cold weather seems to find the weaknesses in everything, if there is a dead cell in the tractor battery; this is when you are sure to find out. Then of course, we are all reminded of our previous injuries when the cold weather comes. The old bones do ache when it gets cold, don’t they?

One of the most common causes of injuries during winter are slips, trips and falls. Then there are those sustained from vehicle accidents, electrical shock, burns, frostbite and problems related to hypothermia. This issue we will discuss how to protect workers from cold weather and how to recognize the symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite. After that, we will discuss how to treat them.

According to statistics, more than 700 people die of hypothermia each year in the United States. Being properly dressed for the cold weather conditions is crucial, and the correct way to dress is by layering. I do not mean a t-shirt, sweatshirt, and your denim jacket. Cottons do not breathe well, and when wet, they will suck the heat right out of you. For example; wools, polypropylene, and fleeces of polyester make great garments for layering. Garments made of these materials still retain some insulating abilities even when wet. These days they even make ranch jackets made of waterproof and breathable materials. These garments used to be quite expensive, but now cold weather clothing has become much more affordable. It is also important to remember, that a person can wear the finest winter clothing available, but without good footwear, gloves and a warm hat, a person won’t be able to retain body heat. A hat is one of the most important pieces of clothing. A person can lose a dangerous amount of body heat when not wearing a hat.
Hypothermia begins when a person’s body temperature falls below 95 degrees. Hypothermia can occur with ambient temperatures above freezing or with water temperatures below 98.6 F or 37 C (normal body temperature). Since temperature drop may be gradual, the victim may not know a problem exists. Symptoms of hypothermia include:

•    Uncontrolled shivering or foot stamping
•    Clumsy movements
•    Loss of coordination
•    Confused or irrational behavior
•    Fatigue or drowsiness
•    Slurred speech
•    A drop in blood pressure
•    Shallow breathing
•    Weak pulse
•    A pinkish tint to the skin

I know what you are thinking; I have been accused of having these symptoms on a normal basis. All kidding aside, if you see someone having these symptoms, it is truly a life-threatening situation. A person experiencing hypothermia needs help, call or have someone call 911. Get the person out of the elements, and into a warm dry place. If they have wet clothes on, take them off. Insulate all exposed body parts. Give them warm drinks, if they are conscious, but avoid drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, sodas or hot chocolate, and never give alcohol. No, a shot of whiskey or brandy really doesn’t warm you up. In fact, it does just the opposite.

Most frostbitten body parts are white, yellow – white, or bluish white in color. They are hard and cold to touch. For treatment, remove wet or restrictive clothing. Wrap frost bitten parts with a warm dry cloth or sterile dressing. Protect the frozen parts from injury. Never rub frostbitten parts you will just cause more injury. Re-warming is best accomplished in a hospital or emergency department. Do not thaw frozen parts, if they have a chance of re-freezing.

Since we cannot stay inside when its cold, our best defense against cold related injuries is being properly prepared for the conditions. Do not allow yourself, your family, or your employees to work outside without being properly dressed for the weather.

Stay safe,

Farm & Ranch News