The Winter Season - On the Job Tool Box Talks - The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates cold weather kills more than 700 Americans a year.

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 The Incidents

·       An employee was killed in a crash after her vehicle slid through an intersection.

·       Another person was killed when a house caught fire - officials are looking at improper use of a heating source as a possible cause.

·       An employee was found dead (hypothermia) - officials say cold weather was a contributing factor.

·       A 50-year-old male janitor was found dead at a job site where he was cleaning floors with a propane buffer.  He was found collapsed and unresponsive about 6 ft from the buffer, which was still running in the idle position.  No external doors or windows had been opened to allow ventilation.  The medical examiner discovered a 62% carbon-monoxide saturation level in the victim’s blood.

Cold Weather Safety Tips

Prevent Problems

·       Limit exposure to cold, especially if it is windy or humid.

·       Be careful if you are older, overweight, have allergies or poor circulation.

·       Be careful if you smoke, drink or take medication.

·       Do not smoke or drink alcohol before going into the cold.

 Wear Layers of Loose Dry Clothing

·       Cotton or wool underlayers.

·       Waterproof top layer.

·       Be sure to cover head, hands, feet and face.

·       Dry or change wet clothing immediately.

·       Keep moving in the cold.

·       Take breaks in warm areas.

·       Move to a warm area if you feel very cold or numb.

·       Drink warm nonalcoholic beverages.

Know the Symptoms of Frostbite

·       Feeling uncomfortably cold.

·       Feeling numb.

·       Feeling tingling, aching or brief pain.

·       Skin turning reddish or violet black.
 ·       Skin blisters. 
·       Unconsciousness.

Act Quickly if Frostbite Strikes

·       Do not rub body part or apply hot water bottles.

·       Do not go near a hot stove.

·       Do not break blisters.

·       Warm frozen body parts quickly with sheets or blankets or warm (not hot) water.

·       Exercise warmed body part (do not walk on feet).

·       Get medical attention if necessary.

·       Elevate frozen body part and cover with sterile cloths before moving.

Know Symptoms of Hypothermia

·       Feeling cold

·       Pain in extremities

·       Shivering

·       Numbness and/or stiffness

·       Poor coordination

·       Drowsiness

·       Slow or irregular breathing of heart rate

·       Slurred speech

·       Cool skin

·       Puffy face

·       Confusion

Act Quickly if Hypothermia Strikes

·       Call for medical assistance.

·       Give artificial respiration if needed.

·       Move into a warm area.

·       Get out of frozen wet clothes.

·       Bundle in warm clothes or blankets.

·       Drink something warm (no alcohol) if conscious.

This information provided by Assurance Agency