Stay Safe, Work Smart

Safety Tips sponsored by Sally Suprise ([email protected]) and SECURA Insurance

The cold is here again, and frostbite is a risk when working in cold temperatures. Symptoms of frostbite include reduced blood flow to the hands and feet, numbness, tingling or stinging, aching, or bluish or pail, waxy skin. If you or an employee recognizes any of these symptoms, the Center for Disease Control recommends the following:

• Get into a warm room as soon as possible.
• Unless absolutely necessary, do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes. This may increase damage.
• Immerse the affected area in warm — not hot — water (the temperature should be comfortable to the touch for unaffected parts of the body).
• Warm the affected area using body heat. For example, the heat of an armpit can be used to warm frostbitten fingers.
• Do not rub or massage the frostbitten area; doing so may cause more damage.
• Do not use a heating pad, heat lamp, or the heat of a stove, fireplace, or radiator for warming. Affected areas are numb and can be easily burned.