24 – Chipper/Shredder Safety
Cold-Induced Injuries
and Illnesses
Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can result in cold-
induced injuries and illnesses that can seriously injure or kill you.
Cold temperatures reduce mental alertness and cause fatigue and
exhaustion that can lead to accidents.
Frostbite
Frostbite occurs when parts of the body become so cold that the
skin and tissue freezes. Frostbite normally occurs on ears, nose,
fingers, hands, toes and feet or other parts of the body that are
left uncovered in below-freezing temperatures. Frostbitten skin
becomes numb and turns a pale white color.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when a person’s body temperature drops to
or below 95° F. Common symptoms include bluish-colored skin,
uncontrollable shivering and drowsiness or fatigue.
Avoid Cold-Induced Injuries and Illnesses
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Layer clothing when working in cold temperatures; you can
easily take off layers if you are too warm.
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Wear a hat and gloves.
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Keep muscles warm and loose by moving as much as possible.
4
Take frequent, short breaks in warm areas.
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Perform work at the warmest part of the day, typically in the
afternoon.
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Never work alone.
Insect Stings
Insect stings can be treated without medical attention unless the
person suffers an allergic reaction.
The first step to treating an insect sting is to remove the stinger.
This can be done by using a straight edge to scrape off the stinger
or by using tweezers to pull it out. If you choose to use tweezers
to remove the stinger, use extreme caution to not puncture the
protruding venom sac.
After the stinger has been removed, a cold pack can be used during
the first 24 hours to suppress pain and swelling. Following the first
24 hours, heat should be applied if pain or swelling persist.
Those with severe allergies to insect stings should consult a physi-
cian about carrying a prescription medical kit. The kit contains
medicine and instructions to be used if the person is stung. If the
kit is used, the victim still must receive medical attention. Call for
help or take them to the nearest hospital.
Cold-Induced Injury or Illness
Treatment Tips
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Move the person out of the cold and into an
area that is warm and dry.
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Remove wet and tight clothing and cover
the person with a blanket.
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Never rub the affected area. This will cause
further skin and tissue damage.
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Seek medical attention immediately.
