Superficial Frostbite • Only the outer surface of the skin is aff ected • The skin is numb and appears white, grayish-yellow, or waxy Deep Frosite • More serious • Affects all layers of the skin • Outer layer is completely numb • Blisters may form • Skin appears black as the tissue dies How to Treat Signs of Frostbite
• Seek medical help immediately • Move the victim to a warm place • Remove wet or damp clothing
• Protect toes and fingers with dry gauze • If there’s no danger of refreezing, warm the frostbitten skin in lukewarm water (99 to 104 F) • Do not place chemical warmers directly on frostbitten skin.
Frostbite is most common in the fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks, and chin.
While eliminating tree workers’ ex- posure to cold-weather work may not always be possible, providing a warm place for them to rest and change out of wet clothes will go a long way in preventing hypothermia and frostbite. While OSHA does not have cold-weath- er standards for businesses, employers do have a “duty” to protect employees against hazards that can include cold stress and freezing temperatures. To ensure injured tree workers can be stabilized while awaiting emergency care, all arborists should be trained in
first-aid practices. In addition, chemical heat packs and medical thermometers should be standard in all first-aid kits. Closely monitoring fellow workers through a buddy system could help prevent cold-related incidents and pro- vide a fail-safe to quickly seek medical help if warranted. Cold weather awaits, but with awareness of the dangers and some necessary protocols, workers can safely navigate their workday without succumbing to these winter risks.
WORKPLACE SAFETY In-the-field medical treatment for hy- pothermia and frostbite are similar. First, seek medical help immediately. Then, gently move the victim into a warm place. Remove wet or damp clothing. Slowly warm the person with warm blankets, protecting toes or fingers with dry gauze if frostbite is suspected. Do not rub the damaged skin. If the victim can easily swallow, give them warm (not hot) liquids. If medical help is far off, place the per- son near a heat source. Never give alcohol or caffeine to someone with hypothermia.
Severe cold stress can quickly turn into a case of lasting damage to muscle tissue if not properly treated.
18 | ArborTIMES Winter 2024
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