Working in the cold

Introduction

Working in cold environments can expose workers to cold stress, which can cause fatigue, reduced dexterity and mobility, increased risk of injury and serious health problems such as hypothermia and frostbite. Prolonged exposure to cold can also increase the likelihood of developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Particularly at risk are outdoor workers in cold, windy or wet conditions, workers in artificially cold environments such as refrigerated warehouses or cold storage facilities and workers in poorly heated workplaces during the cold season. Personal factors such as age, gender, health conditions (e.g. hypertension, hypothyroidism and diabetes) and…