Work Warmer, Not Harder

Snow, ice, hail, polar vortex?  Winter weather throws plenty of surprises your way.  No matter the temperature, there are paths, parking lots, and driveways to clear.  Here are some helpful tips and reminders for staying safe as you work hard during the winter season.

Stay Warm

• Layer.  A good coat is no substitute for insulating layers.  If you’re outside for prolonged periods of time, consider wearing two pairs of socks - at least one pair made of wool - with your boots.
• Protect Your Heat-Loss Zones.  Don’t leave your head or neck exposed.  These areas of your body lose heat the fastest, dropping your core body temperature overall.
• Sacrifice Dexterity.  If you don’t need your fingers loose, opt for mittens instead.  If you go back and forth between the two, consider wearing a pair of mittens over your gloves and only removing them when necessary.

Stay Aware

• Watch Your Toes.  The effects of the cold are first experienced in peripheral appendages, like your fingers and toes.  Pay attention when those start to tingle!
• Know Your Risk Factors. The risk of frostbite and hypothermia increases with certain factors, including age, previous circulation problems, a recent injury or blood loss, or chemicals such as alcohol, nicotine, or beta-blocker medication.
• Check the Weather.  The rate of over-exposure is affected by a number of environmental factors.  If you have a choice in your day or time to do labor outside, monitor the temperature, wind chill, and humidity.

Stay Safe

• Remove Wet Clothes.  Even damp socks can have a negative affect!  Wet clothes can speed up your heat loss.  When you get inside, remove any wet or damp clothing for something dry and warm.
• Pay Attention to Your Body.  Mild frostbite can be seen in blanching of the skin or a prolonged redness out of the ordinary.  As over-exposure worsens, frostbite freezes and crystallizes fluid within tissue, damaging blood vessels and leading to clotting.  If your fingers or toes are discolored after time outside, don’t ignore it.
• Re-Warm Gradually.  If you notice an area with mild or more severe frostbite, use warm - not hot! - water in the area.  Depending on the severity of the frostbite, swelling, itching, burning, or even pain can occur.

From your friends at Fox River Stone - stay warm, stay aware, stay safe!