Environmental Health & Safety

Seasonal Safety

Winter

Winter brings about many changes. Travel becomes more difficult and time-consuming, we spend more time indoors, and outdoor conditions often become unpleasant, sometimes deadly. While we Midwesterners often take our winter survival skills for granted, lack of preparation can have serious consequences.

Outdoors

• Cold weather can have several effects on the body. Cold air can dry the skin and cause loss of body fluids. Some health conditions, such as arthritis, rheu­matism, and Raynaud's (white finger) worsen and are more painful. More severe cold can cause frostbite, the freezing of body tissue. Loss of body heat can pro­gress to hypothermia, a reduction of the body's core temperature, which can be life-threatening.
• Frostbite: can be recognized by numbness and white, waxy skin. If the skin is firm to the touch but soft underneath, act quickly to avoid further heat loss. Gradually rewarm the frozen area with body heat. Warm hands work best, but don't rub ... If the skin goes grayish blue and is hard to the touch, seek warmth and medical attention immediately.
• Hypothermia: Shivering and slurred speech are early warning signs, followed by confusion and lack of coordination. Get out of the cold if possible and increase body heat immediately.
• Windy conditions make cold weather more dangerous.  For example, air at temperature -12°C (10°F) and wind speed 20 miles/hour (blowing and drifting snow) has a wind chill equivalent of -32°C (-25°F); skin can freeze within one minute. Warm clothes that cover the head, body and extremities are essential in these conditions. Lost body fluids should be replenished with warm liquids or plain water, but not with alcohol or caffeine.

On the Road

• Winter driving demands more care and attention. Fur­thermore, your vehicle should be in good condition to provide a safe trip in winter conditions. Carry an emer­gency kit, particularly if traveling between cities or remote areas.
• It is recommended that emergency kits include jumper cables, small shovel, extra clothing (hats, gloves, footwear), blanket warning light or flares, waterproof matches, survival candle, non-perishable food items, traction aids (kitty litter or mats), tow chain or rope, and a fire extinguisher.

Indoors

• We use more heat and electricity in winter, so take time to ensure that your homes, dorms, and vehicles are safe. Fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, and electrical shock can cause serious injury and can be fatal. Statistics show that there is a dramatic increase in the number of candle-related fires in November, December, and January.
• Appliances that burn natural gas or propane must have an adequate supply of combustion air for complete combustion, and proper ventilation to direct deadly carbon monoxide gas and other byproducts to the outdoors. They should be installed and repaired only by qualified professionals. Carbon monoxide can accumulate quickly in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas. Thorough ventilation is essential.
• Space heaters, BBQ grills, or other appliances that are designed for outdoor use should never be used indoors. Learn to recognize the symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Headaches, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, nausea, fainting, increased or irregular heartbeat, impaired judgment, or loss of coordination may be signs that excessive CO exposure has occurred. Remove affected persons to fresh air where possible and seek immediate medical attention.
• Install a CO detector that has UL approval. Install, use, and maintain according to the manufacturer's instructions. Inspect fireplaces frequently and have chimneys cleaned at regular intervals.
• When using candles, keep them away from furniture, curtains, and other combustible materials. Place them where young children and pets cannot reach. Make sure that candles are placed on non-combustible candle holders that can't tip and are big enough to collect dripping wax.
• Never go to sleep or leave the house/building until fireplace fires and candles are entirely extinguished. There are many other things you can do too. Take time now to ensure that your workplace, home, and vehicle are safe this winter.