Here we are with 90 degree weather here in Florida. But the cold weather is coming soon, and there may be some situations that involve Workman’s Compensation.
Many Injured Workers who are exposed to Cold on the job. Cold Exposure can be a source of work injuries. Cold Exposure can take many forms. Cold Exposure can be the result of outdoor work as well as indoor work. Cold Exposure can be the result of cold weather.
Cold Exposure can be the result of working in a refrigerated work environment. Cold Exposure can be the result of working in an environment for which there is an air conditioning system. Work Environments that have poor insulation or lack of a heating system for workers also expose workers to cold.
Work-Related Cold Exposure Injuries can entitle workers to obtain medical treatment for these medical conditions and obtain workers’ compensation benefits.
This article will discuss Cold Exposure and Cold-Related Medical Conditions. Further, case law concerning cold-related injuries will be discussed.
How Cold is Cold?
A Cold Environment is one that is near-freezing temperatures. This is considered “Extreme Cold.” A Cold Environment causes the body to work harder to maintain its temperature. Both Cold and Wind Chill can impact the degree of coldness.
Extreme Cold can drive down the skin and the internal temperature of the body. This is what is known as the core temperature. Extreme Cold can cause the body to shift blood flow from the extremities and outer skin of the core. When this occurs, it can lead to serious health problems, tissue damage, and death.
According to the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH®) Threshold Limit Values (TLV®), workers should be protected from exposure to cold so that the deep core temperature does not fall below 96.8°F (36°C) and to prevent frostbite to body extremities.
Are there Risk Factors When Dealing with Cold Exposure?
Yes. There are some risk factors that make for a greater chance of injury when exposed to cold. These risk factors include wetness, dampness, being improperly dressed as well as exhaustion.
These risk factors can also include workers who have pre-existing health conditions such as hypertension, hypothyroidism, and diabetes. Also, a worker with poor physical conditioning is also at risk.
What Types of Occupations are at Risk for Cold Exposure?
There are a variety of workers who are at risk for cold-exposure related injuries. These occupations include Snow Cleanup Crews, Sanitation Workers, Police Officers, and Emergency Response Personnel such as Firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians.
Further, other occupations include an individual who works in refrigerated areas or manufacturing facilities that require cold temperatures. Additionally, Long Haul Truck Drivers are at risk for cold exposure.
Was are Cold-Related Medical Conditions?
Cold-Related Medical Conditions include Chiliblains, Trenchfoot aka Immersion Foot, Frostbite, and Hypothermia.
Besides Cold-Related conditions, Cold Exposure can also have an impact on other medical conditions. Cold-related conditions aggravate a Worker’s pre-existing musculoskeletal injuries and vascular disorders.
What is Chiliblains?
“Chilblains are the painful inflammation of small blood vessels in the skin that occur in response to repeated exposure to cold but nonfreezing temperatures. Small blood vessels in the skin may become permanently damaged by cold temperatures, resulting in redness and itching during additional exposures.
Symptoms of chilblains include redness, itching, possible blistering, inflammation, and possible ulceration in severe cases.
What is Trendfoot aka Immersion Foot?
“Trench foot is an injury of the feet after prolonged exposure to wet and cold-related conditions. Trench foot occurs because wet feet lose heat faster than dry feet. To prevent heat loss, the body constricts blood vessels in the feet, and then the skin tissue begins to die.
Symptoms of trench foot include reddening of the skin, numbness, leg cramps, swelling, tingling pain, blisters or ulcers, bleeding under the skin, and gangrene (e.g., foot turns purple, blue, or gray).”
This condition can occur at temperatures as high as 60°F
What is Frostbite?
“Frostbite is an injury caused by freezing of the skin and deeper tissues, resulting in the loss of feeling and color in the affected areas. Frostbite can permanently damage body tissues, and severe cases can lead to amputation.
Examples of risk factors for frostbite include contact with metal or water, dehydration, diabetes, smoking, alcohol abuse, sedating or judgment impairing medications, and prior history of frostbite. Symptoms of frostbite include numbness; tingling or stinging; aching; and bluish or pale, waxy skin.”
What is Hypothermia?
Hypothermia is another cold-related illness. “[w]hen exposed to cold temperatures, the body loses heat faster than it can be produced. Prolonged exposure to cold causes internal body temperature to drop, resulting in a condition called hypothermia. Hypothermia affects brain function, making the victim unable to think clearly or move well (i.e., they may be unable to protect themselves from hazards, or experience slips, trips, and falls). This makes hypothermia particularly dangerous because a person may not recognize the symptoms and will be unable to make life-preserving decisions.
Symptoms of hypothermia can depend on how long a person has been exposed to cold temperatures and individual variability. Hypothermia Symptoms and First Aid Early symptoms include shivering, fatigue, loss of coordination, confusion, and/or disorientation. Late symptoms include no shivering, blue skin, dilated pupils, slowed pulse and breathing, and/or loss of consciousness. If hypothermia is suspected, medical assistance should be requested immediately (e.g., call 911).”
Hypothermia occurs when the normal body temperature of 98.6 degrees drops to less than 95 degrees. It can occur even at cool temperatures above 40 degrees.
Ben Winter, P.A. focuses its practice in the areas of Social Security Disability and Workers Compensation in St Petersburg, Florida. For more information, go to our web site www.benwinterlaw.com or call (727) 822-0100.