Stay safe while working outdoors in the Canadian winter
Many people who live in Canada pride themselves on their ability to make it through our notorious Canadian winters. The winter season is known for being cold and harsh. They can even be downright dangerous! For some, winter safety is about more than just warming up the car and buying the warmest parka – some Canadians work outdoors, and their work doesn’t stop just because it’s snowing.
For the many people who work outdoors over the Canadian winter, the season represents a time of heightened awareness and hyper-vigilance, because working in extreme freezing temperatures is hazardous. Risks include frostbite, windburn, dehydration, and hypothermia. |
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If you see a co-worker exhibiting symptoms of hypothermia, notify a supervisor and contact emergency services immediately
What is Hypothermia?
Hypothermia is a potentially dangerous drop in body temperature caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. The average body temperature, for most, but not all, humans is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. When hypothermia occurs, the body temperature drops to 95 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Symptoms of hypothermia include:
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If you see a co-worker exhibiting these symptoms, notify a supervisor and contact emergency services immediately. While you wait for emergency service, remove any wet clothing from the person, protect them from the elements, and start the rewarming process by adding dry clothing and/or blankets. If the person can sip a warm liquid, that will also help, but avoid caffeinated beverages, as they can cause dehydration.
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Five Tips to Fend Off Hypothermia
Tip #1: Drink Warm liquids throughout the day and avoid dehydrating caffeinated beverages.
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Tip #2: Wear appropriate clothing and PPE designed to protect you from cold and the elements, including coats, mittens or gloves, hats, scarves, and a good pair of warm, waterproof winter boots.
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Tip #3: Do not work in wet clothing. If an item of clothing becomes wet, remove it, and replace it with dry items immediately.
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Tip #4: Being furthest from the core, the extremities get colder faster. That’s why the fingers, toes, ears, and tip of the nose are more prone to frostbite than other areas. Be sure to wear appropriate winter gear to keep the extremities well protected.
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Tip #5: If you work in extreme temperatures, complete the applicable training.
MidSouthWest offers many online courses for working in extreme temperatures! Find the right one today!
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Trust MidSouthWest Training and Consulting
MidSouthWest Training and Consulting offers a full catalogue of health and safety training, including an online library of courses. You can trust MidSouthWest Training and Consulting to provide you with cost-effective training solutions tailored to meet your organization’s unique health and safety needs.
To learn more, contact us online or call 289.309.1143. Visit us 24/7 on the web at midsouthwest.ca.
To learn more, contact us online or call 289.309.1143. Visit us 24/7 on the web at midsouthwest.ca.
Last updated January 1, 2024