Understanding and Preventing Cold Stress:
A Guide for Outdoor Workers and Truck Drivers

When temperatures plummet and winds pick up, the risk of heat leaving your body faster than it can be replenished becomes a serious concern. These conditions can lead to a range of health problems collectively known as cold stress. For individuals who work outdoors, such as truck drivers, or in unheated environments, understanding the risks and prevention strategies is crucial for staying safe in extreme weather.

What is Cold Stress?

Cold stress occurs when the body’s ability to maintain a safe temperature is overwhelmed by exposure to cold conditions. This can happen in refrigerated rooms, unheated buildings, cold water, rain, snow, or while handling cold materials. Left unaddressed, cold stress can result in severe health issues such as hypothermia, frostbite, or trench foot.

Types of Cold Stress:

Hypothermia

Hypothermia happens when your body loses heat faster than it can generate it, causing the core temperature to drop dangerously low.

Symptoms of Hypothermia:

• Early Symptoms: Shivering, fatigue, loss of coordination, confusion, and disorientation.
• Late Symptoms: Absence of shivering, blue skin, dilated pupils, slowed pulse and breathing, and loss of consciousness.

Frostbite

Frostbite is a freezing injury that damages skin and tissue, often affecting the hands, feet, nose, or ears.

Symptoms of Frostbite:

• Reduced blood flow to affected areas
• Numbness or tingling
• Aching sensations
• Bluish, pale, or waxy skin

Trench Foot

Trench foot occurs when feet are exposed to prolonged wet and cold conditions, which can result in tissue damage and infection.

Symptoms of Trench Foot:

• Red, swollen skin
• Numbness
• Tingling or cramping
• Blisters, ulcers, or bleeding under the skin
• Severe cases may lead to gangrene (dark purple, blue, or gray tissue).

How to Prevent Cold Stress

Staying safe in cold environments requires planning and the right gear. Here are some effective measures to reduce the risk of cold stress:

Wear the Right Clothing

• Layer Up: Wear several layers of loose, breathable clothing for better insulation. Avoid tight clothing that restricts blood flow.
• Outer Layer: Choose a water-repellent shell to keep you dry while allowing sweat to escape.
• Protect Extremities: Use insulated gloves, waterproof boots, and hats that cover your ears and face.

Prepare for the Unexpected

Always carry cold weather gear, including:

• Extra socks, gloves, and hats
• A warm jacket and blanket
• A thermos of hot liquid
• A change of clothes

Move into warm locations during breaks and hydrate with warm beverages. Frequent warming-up periods help reduce the risk of cold-related injuries.

Why Truck Drivers Need to Be Especially Vigilant

Truck drivers face unique risks when working in extreme cold, especially during loading and unloading cargo in icy or wet conditions. Wearing appropriate gear and taking warm-up breaks can make a significant difference in staying safe on the road.

Conclusion

Cold stress is a serious hazard that can impact anyone working in extreme cold environments, but it’s preventable with the right precautions. By wearing appropriate clothing, carrying essential gear, and staying vigilant for symptoms, outdoor workers and truck drivers can reduce their risk and stay safe even in the harshest conditions.

Stay warm, stay safe, and always be prepared to protect yourself and your team from cold stress.

About TRAC Intermodal
TRAC Intermodal (tracintermodal.com) is North America’s leading marine chassis pool manager and equipment provider with 11 pools under management across the U.S. TRAC has the largest fleet of marine and specialty chassis in North America and operates an extensive network of facilities. TRAC’s subsidiaries offer emergency fleet roadside assistance through FYX, and maintenance and repair services as well as storage and parking solutions through TRAC Services.