Peel Health recommends the following steps to be taken to prevent cold injuries:
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General Recommendations
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- Establish both a policy and plan to deal
with potential consequences of extreme
temperatures and winter storms (e.g.
power outage, lack of transportation).
Have an emergency kit available.
- Advise staff /clients to postpone outdoor
activities or reduce the amount of time
spent outdoors when the temperature is
-25 degrees Celsius or colder, with or
without the wind chill. Some medical
conditions may increase sensitivity to cold.
- Limit the time children or persons with
disabilities are outdoors when the
temperature is -25 degrees Celsius or
colder, with or without the wind chill.
- Educate all staff on how to prevent,
recognize and treat cold injuries. Give
plenty of warm fluids to prevent
dehydration.
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- Ensure that staff and clients are properly
dressed in layers of loose-fitting clothing,
covering exposed skin (socks, insulated
coats and boots-slip resistant/waterproof,
mittens, hats and neck warmers). Advise
staff and clients to change wet clothing or
footwear immediately.
- Advise staff and clients to take regularly
scheduled indoor breaks and to warm up
and stretch before going outside. If
possible, schedule shorter work periods for
staff who must work outdoors.
- Establish a buddy system for staff which
allows close observation of co-workers.
- Advise staff and clients to take along
emergency equipment and a cell phone
when travelling and to check the weather
forecast before going outside.
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During a Cold Alert
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Follow the General Guidelines AND
- Give warm fluids and avoid caffeinated beverages to prevent dehydration
- Remember to dress in layers of warm clothing
- Keep children or persons with disabilities indoors
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- Provide shelter from the wind for outdoor activities. Have plenty of warm beverages available
- Use the buddy system to observe co-workers
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