WORKING IN EXTREME WEATHER

Workers exposed to extreme cold or heat may be at risk of cold- or heat-related stress. Extreme weather can pose a dangerous situation that can lead to health emergencies in susceptible people, such as those without shelter, outdoor workers, and those who work in an area that is poorly insulated, or without a heat/cooling system.

• Heat index guidance

  For people working outdoors in hot weather, both air temperature and humidity affect how hot they feel. The "heat index" is a single value that takes both temperature and humidity into account.

  Heat Index: Less than 80°F Risk Level: Low caution Protective Measures: Provide drinking water Ensure that adequate medical services are available Plan ahead for times when heat index is higher, including worker heat safety training Encourage workers to wear sunscreen Acclimatize workers If workers must wear heavy protective clothing, perform strenuous activity or work in the direct sun, additional precautions are recommended to protect workers from heat-related illness.*

  WARNING: Heat Index Range is 80°F - 90°F Conditions are potentially hazardous.

  Workers can be at increased risk for heat-related illness. Alert workers to the heat index for the day. Water and Shade Adequate amounts of drinking water must be in convenient, visible locations close to the work area. Drink plenty of water, even if you’re not thirsty. If in the heat less than 2 hours and involved in moderate work activities, drink 1 cup (8 oz.) of water every 15 to 20 minutes. During prolonged sweating lasting several hours, drink sports drinks containing balanced electrolytes. Generally, fluid intake should not exceed 6 cups per hour. Set up cool, shaded rest areas. Provide shade, hats, and sunscreen, and encourage their use.

  WARNING: Heat Index Range is 91°F - 103°F Conditions are hazardous. Extra precautions are recommended.

  When starting a shift, alert everyone of hazardous conditions and review protective measures. A designated knowledgeable person should be on site to modify work activities and set work/rest schedules. Water and Shade Adequate amounts of drinking water must be in convenient, visible locations close to the work area. Actively encourage workers to drink water often. If in the heat less than 2 hours and involved in moderate work activities, drink 1 cup (8 oz.) of water every 15 to 20 minutes. During prolonged sweating lasting several hours, drink sports drinks containing balanced electrolytes. Generally, fluid intake should not exceed 6 cups per hour. Set up cool, shaded rest areas. Provide shade, hats, and sunscreen, and encourage their use.

  DANGEROUS: Heat Index Range is 125 °F or higher Conditions are dangerous!

  Conditions are dangerous! Heat-related illness can develop faster and be more serious at this risk level. Extra measures are recommended. Reschedule all non-essential work for days when the heat index is lower. Move essential work to the coolest part of the day – start earlier, split the work shift, or work evening/night shifts. Strenuous tasks and those requiring the use of protective equipment (e.g. non-breathable clothing or impermeable chemical protective clothing) should not be conducted. If emergency or essential work must be done at this heat index, then a designated knowledgeable person should be on-site to modify work activities and set work/rest schedules. STOP WORK if protective measures are not possible. Water and Shade Adequate amounts of drinking water must be in convenient, visible locations close to the work area. Establish a clear drinking schedule. Actively encourage workers to drink water often. If in the heat less than 2 hours and involved in moderate work activities, drink 1 cup (8 oz.) of water every 15 to 20 minutes. During prolonged sweating lasting several hours, drink sports drinks containing balanced electrolytes. Generally, fluid intake should not exceed 6 cups per hour. Set up cool, shaded rest areas. Provide shade, hats, and sunscreen, and encourage their use.

• Responding to a heat- or cold-stress emergency

  Call University Police (333 from an on-campus phone or 631-632-3333 from a non-campus phone).

  Heat Stress Emergency - Lay the person down and raise the legs and feet slightly. Remove tight or heavy clothing. Have the person sip chilled water, a sports drink containing electrolytes or another nonalcoholic beverage without caffeine. Cool the person by spraying or sponging with cool water and fanning.

  Cold Stress Emergency - Call 911 or 333 immediately in an emergency. Move the worker to a warm room or vehicle. Remove any wet clothing and replace with dry clothing. Wrap the entire body (including the head and neck) in layers of blankets; and with a vapor barrier (e.g. tarp, garbage bag) Do not cover the face. Give warm sweetened drinks if alert (no alcohol), to help increase the body temperature. Never try to give a drink to an unconscious person. Place warm bottles or hot packs in armpits, sides of chest, and groin. If the worker has no pulse, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be provided and continued until the person responds or medical aid becomes available.

• Heat illness causes, symptoms, prevention and resources

  Heat illness refers to a range of conditions caused by the body overheating, typically due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures and inadequate hydration. Common forms include heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and the most severe—heat stroke, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
  
  Causes:

  • Hot, humid weather
  • Strenuous physical activity
  • Dehydration
  • Inappropriate clothing or lack of acclimatization

  Symptoms:

  • Muscle cramps
  • Heavy sweating
  • Weakness or fatigue
  • Dizziness or confusion
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • High body temperature (above 103°F in heat stroke)

  Prevention tips:

  • Stay hydrated with water or electrolyte drinks
  • Wear light, breathable clothing
  • Take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors
  • Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat hours
  • Know the warning signs and act quickly

  When to seek help:
  Employers and workers should become familiar with the heat symptoms. When any of these symptoms is present, time is of the essence. These conditions can worsen quickly and result in fatalities. When in doubt, cool the worker and call University Police (631-632-3333).
  

  Resources:

  • OSHA heat-related illnesses and First Aid 
  • OSHA heat illness prevention 
  • OSHA Heat Safety Tool App - An app that allows workers and supervisors to calculate the heat index for their worksite and displays a risk level to outdoor workers
  • New York State Heat Risk and Illness Dashboard
• Cold stress causes, symptoms, hypothermia, frostbite and resources

  Cold stress and cold-related illnesses occur when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, leading to dangerously low body temperatures. This is especially risky in cold, wet, and windy conditions, particularly for people working or staying outdoors. 
  
  Causes:

  • Low air temperatures
  • Wet clothing (from sweat, rain, snow, or immersion)
  • Wind (which increases heat loss through convection)
  • Prolonged exposure to cold environments
  • Inadequate clothing or insulation
  • Exhaustion or dehydration
  • Poor physical condition or underlying health issues
  • Substance use (alcohol and some drugs impair body temperature regulation)

  Symptoms:

  • Cold stress can lead to several health conditions, including hypothermia, frostbite, and trench foot

  Hypothermia: A condition where body temperature drops below 95°F (35°C). Symptoms include:

  • Shivering (early sign)
  • Slurred speech or mumbling
  • Slow, shallow breathing
  • Clumsiness or lack of coordination
  • Confusion or memory loss
  • Drowsiness or exhaustion
  • Weak pulse
  • In severe cases: unconsciousness

  Frostbite: Freezing of skin and underlying tissues, usually affecting extremities like fingers, toes, ears, and nose. Symptoms include:

  • Cold, numb, or hard skin
  • Pale or waxy appearance
  • Tingling, aching, or burning sensation
  • Skin that turns red, white, bluish, or grayish-yellow
  • In severe cases: blisters, tissue death

  When to seek help:
  Employers and workers should become familiar with the cold illness symptoms. When any of these symptoms is present, time is of the essence. These conditions can worsen quickly and result in fatalities. When in doubt, remove and warm the worker and call University Police (631-632-3333).
  
  Resources:

  • CDC (NIOSH) cold stress website
  • Cold stress/cold-related illnesses
  • OSHA cold stress guide
  • Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
  • National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Stony Brook weather stations
  • Stony Brook University weather station at  Lot 40
  • Stony Brook Health Sciences Center weather station
• OSHA heat safety smartphone app
  Information on downloading: https://www.osha.gov/heat/heat-app