Cold Weather Work – Illnesses

Cold stress happens when your body cannot regulate its temperature. First your skin temperature drops, then your core body temperature begins to drop. This can lead to severe tissue damage, and possibly death.

Workers, both indoors and outdoors, in services, transportation, agriculture, construction, and other industries may be exposed to environmental cold stress that can lead to thermal discomfort and in some cases even severe injuries, illnesses, or death. Cold-related illnesses and injuries include hypothermia, frostbite, chilblains, and trench foot.