What risks does exposure to cold entail in the workplace?

Royal Decree 486/1997 is the regulation that establishes the minimum health and safety requirements that must be in place in workplaces in Spain. Its Annex III, entitled Environmental conditions in workplaces, sets out a series of recommendations aimed at ensuring worker well-being. Among them, it states that “extreme temperatures and humidity, sudden changes in temperature or uncomfortable air currents must be avoided”. 

However, the specific nature of certain jobs makes exposure to cold unavoidable. The Technical Note on Cold Stress, prepared by the National Institute for Safety and Health at Work, provides suggestions to mitigate the risks associated with working in a low-temperature environment. These include using insulating garments or providing professionals with appropriate footwear for working in cold environments.

Jobs exposed to cold and risk factors

The same Technical Note observes that below 15ºC, a person experiences thermal discomfort and, below 5ºC, the health risk increases considerably. Some of the jobs in which appropriate protective measures must be taken to avoid compromising workers’ health are as follows:

• Construction professionals. 
• Workers in the agri-food industry. 
• Farmers and livestock breeders.
• People working in cold storage rooms. 
• Emergency service professionals (firefighters, police officers or military personnel). 
• Security and surveillance personnel. 
• Workers in contact with cold water, such as fishermen, employees on oil platforms or divers, among others. 
• Professionals who work at high altitudes, such as ski resort staff, high-mountain guides or rescue team members.

Likewise, there are personal factors that increase the risks of exposure to cold and must also be taken into account: 

• Ageing. The body’s thermoregulatory mechanisms are affected by age, making exposure to cold more dangerous. 
• Cardiovascular and chronic diseases. The activity of natural protective systems is lower in people who suffer from them. 
• Taking medication. Some medicines for conditions such as hypertension or diabetes affect the body’s thermoregulatory response. 

What are the risks of exposure to cold at work?   

Any worker facing constant exposure to cold must have protective equipment that prevents thermal discomfort. The Technical guide for the assessment and prevention of risks related to the use of workplaces, prepared by the INSST, provides recommendations and establishes the criteria that enable those responsible for workers’ well-being to adopt the measures necessary for their protection. The aim is to reduce the main risks associated with exposure to cold at work, outlined below:

Cold discomfort 

Prolonged exposure to cold at work can cause a more or less intense sensation of pain, influenced by each person’s resistance threshold, the type of activity carried out and the protective garments used. 

The human body needs to be at an approximate temperature of 36.5ºC. Inadequate protection causes heat loss, which can lead to discomfort that affects workers’ health and productivity. 

Reduced worker dexterity and physical abilities

A detailed study published by the journal Environmental Health Perspectives investigated, in 2018, the causes of the 16 million workplace accidents that occurred in Spain between 1994 and 2013. Exposure to cold was among them. The research highlighted that low temperatures increased the likelihood of having an accident at work by 4%. Why? They reduce workers’ manual and mental dexterity, increase the energy cost of every movement and decrease mobility. 

Cardiovascular effects 

Exposure to cold raises blood pressure and can lead to serious cardiovascular consequences. Cold acts as a vasoconstrictor and causes arteries to narrow, reducing the amount of blood that reaches the heart. Low temperatures also increase heart rate. 

Respiratory effects 

When a person inhales very cold air, their respiratory tract becomes irritated and inflamed, promoting the onset of respiratory infections. People with chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma or bronchitis are especially sensitive to exposure to cold, so it is advisable that they do not work in environments with very low temperatures.  

Musculoskeletal disorders 

The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work states that musculoskeletal disorders are the most common occupational health problem among workers in the European Union. And weather conditions are one of the main risk factors. 

Cold causes muscles to become numb and, as we have seen, results in a loss of manual and mental dexterity. On the one hand, temporary disorders may be caused by sudden movements in extreme conditions or overexertion. On the other hand, chronic and progressive conditions may develop, with their intensity increasing over time.  

Having suitable protective equipment reduces the risks associated with exposure to cold at work. Footwear is among the basic items of equipment for this purpose. At Shoes For Crews you have access to a varied catalogue where you can find the best boots and shoes to protect yourself from extreme temperatures. Contact us and we will tell you about the products best suited to your needs.