JENKINTOWN PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS

Construction is a dangerous job, but it is especially dangerous in winter. As temperatures drop, Pennsylvania construction workers who are not protected against cold risk frost bite, hypothermia, trench foot and other cold-related injuries. The best protection against cold-related health risks is to be aware and be prepared. Employers should train workers to recognize the signs and symptoms of overexposure in themselves and their co-workers.

Here are some additional steps that employers can take to prevent cold-related injuries among construction workers.

• Understand the effect of wind chill. Know that employees who are working on high buildings or bridges will feel a greater effect from wind chill.
• Make sure that workers are medically fit to work in cold temperatures. Heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and other medical conditions can make a worker more susceptible to cold-related illness and injury.
• Use a buddy system. Employees should work in pairs or groups. This allows workers to monitor each other for signs of cold-related injury.
• Ensure that workers understand the importance of high-calorie foods when working in cold temperatures. Hot chocolate and soups provide both calories and fluids. Coffee and other caffeinated drinks are not a good idea because caffeine increases water loss and reduces blood flow to extremities.
• Workers should dress appropriately for weather conditions. Wearing layers of clothing increases insulation and allows an employee to adjust to changing temperatures. Outer layers should be waterproof or wind-resistant. Encourage workers to wear hats and hoods.
• Workers should be able to take regular rest and warm-up breaks in a sheltered area.
• If the air temperature is 35.6 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, any worker who gets wet should be given a change of clothing and treated for hypothermia.
• Any worker who is shivering, drowsy or shows signs of hypothermia or frostbite should immediately return to the shelter.
• When necessary, adjust the work schedule to prevent cold-related injuries. Schedule work during the warmest part of the day or break outdoor tasks into shifts so workers have opportunities to warm up.
• The work area should be cleared of snow and ice.

With proper planning, employers can help protect workers from cold weather conditions. Workers who suffer job-related hypothermia or frost bite are eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim. To learn about work-related injuries, request a free copy of Your Guide To PA Workers’ Compensation. Simply fill out the request form or call Mednick, Mezyk & Kredo, P.C., at 888-807-WORK (9675).