FOR SAFETY SAK E
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THERE’S A SAFE WAY TO FALL There are several studies on safe falling techniques that are proven to help minimize injury if a slip, trip, or fall does occur. The University of California suggests the following three tips: 1. Let your body go limp, which will allow your body to naturally roll into the fall. 2. Don’t try to break your fall by extending your wrists, elbows, or knees. Keep each of these joints bent. 3. Tuck your chin in and protect your head with your arms.
COLD STRESS Cold stress occurs when your skin temperature drops, resulting in a drop in your internal body temperature. Factors that may cause heat to leave the body more rapidly are wind chills or wetness. Cold stress includes trench foot, frostbite, and hypothermia. Trench foot – An injury of the foot caused by prolonged exposure to wet and cold conditions. Signs of trench foot include redness, tingling sensation, pain, swelling, leg cramps, numbness, and blisters. Frostbite – An injury caused by the freezing of skin and tissues, which can cause permanent damage to the body. Signs of frostbite include redness, pain, or unusually firm, waxy, or numb skin with a grayish-yellow pallor.
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Hypothermia – Occurs when normal body temperature drops to less than 95 degrees Fahrenheit after being exposed to cold or cool temperatures for a long period of time. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, memory loss, slurred speech, jittery hands, or sleepiness. Some precautions to minimize your risk of cold stress include: 1.) Covering exposed skin before stepping outside. When wind chills drop, exposed flesh can freeze quickly, leading to frostbite and hypothermia. This includes wearing several layers of the appropriate materials. EHS Today recommends the following three layers: Layer 1 (closest to the skin) – A polypropylene or similar wicking material. This helps draw sweat away from the body to keep the skin dry. Layer 2 (middle layer) – An insulating layer of wool or polar fleece-type materials. Layer 3 (outer layer) – A nylon or similar material to block the wind. Remember to also wear gloves, a hat, face covering, and appropriate socks. If your job allows, wear waterproof, thermal