Philadelphia Construction Accident Lawyers: Common Cold Weather Injuries

Soon, the cold weather in the northeast region of the United States, including Philadelphia, begins to kick in. For most people that means that they need to turn on the heater, put away their summer clothes, start dressing warmer and maybe even update their wardrobe. For construction workers, however, it’s a whole different world of exposure. Many construction workers are exposed to outdoor conditions in the winter for prolonged periods of time. For this reason, workers have to take certain precautions to make sure that they do not succumb to cold-related health problems.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC), the New Jersey Department of Health and the Hanover Insurance Group all warn workers against the most common cold-related health problems that construction workers incur, including but not limited to:

• Hypothermia
• Frostbite
• Immersion foot
• Chilblain
• Cold water immersion
• Trench foot

While these injuries may not all sound familiar, they are all quite serious and painful, but also preventable if employers properly train their workers and the workers follow the training. Construction workers and construction companies can take certain precautions to prevent workers from a workplace injury due to the cold weather. Some of these precautions should include:

• Wearing several layers of loose fitting clothing, which provides for better insulation throughout the body.
• Protecting and covering your ears, face, hands and feet.
• Wearing waterproof boots that are insulated, as well as wearing two pairs of socks and bringing extra pairs in case something happens.
• Wearing a hat, gloves, jacket, blanket and other cold weather gear.
• Moving workers to warm locations during breaks from work to limit their exposure to the cold.
• Bringing a first aid kit that includes a thermometer and chemical hot packs.
• Drinking warm liquids.
• Providing warm areas for workers to do their job or to go if they are injured.
• Scheduling cold jobs during the warmer parts of the day.
• Providing cold stress training to all workers.
• Lowering the difficulty of the work and the physical demands for workers during cold days.
• Assigning extra workers.
• Staying dry and keeping track of the air movement.

Philadelphia Construction Accident Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Fight to Compensate Victims of Construction Accident Injuries

A construction accident or injury can cause debilitating problems for the victim and their family. Philadelphia construction accident lawyers at DiTomaso Law represent victims of construction accidents and injuries throughout Philadelphia, Southeastern Pennsylvania and South Jersey. Call us at 856-414-0010  to have your case evaluated by one of our knowledgeable Philadelphia construction accident lawyers or submit an online contact form.