As temperatures plunge on Prince Edward Island this week, the Workers Compensation Board (WCB) reminds Islanders to take precautions to prevent cold stress while working outside.

Cold stress can occur as a result of excessive exposure to cold and may cause hypothermia and frostbite. In addition to temperature, humidity, wind chill, fatigue and dehydration can contribute to the risk of cold stress.

“Because cold stress can be brought on by a variety of factors, Island workplaces should have a plan in place to identify and address any potential hazards associated with outdoor work at this time of year,” said Bill Reid, Director of Occupational Health and Safety for the Workers Compensation Board. 

The Workers Compensation Board has the following tips to help prevent cold stress:

• Cover your head.
• Wear layered clothing.
• Pace yourself during physically demanding work.
• Protect your hands and feet.
• Set up shelters to block wind where possible.
• Schedule work to be done on warmer days if possible.
• Take breaks in heated buildings.
• Drink plenty of warm fluids.
• Cover metal handles and bars with insulating materials.
• Monitor the temperature and wind and adjust wind and breaks accordingly.
• Educate workers on the signs and symptoms of hypothermia as well as its prevention.

More tips, including the warning signs of hypothermia, can be found in the WCB Guide to Cold Stress at Work, available in the Safe Workplaces section of the WCB website.  For more information about occupational health and safety, contact WCB Education Consultant, Lori Wakelin at 902-368-5698 or 1-800-237-5049.