Cold-Related Illness

Early recognition and management of cold-related illness and injuries can prevent serious complications. Cold related illness and injuries include frostbite, immersion foot (trench foot), and hypothermia.  Extreme cold can damage exposed skin tissue and burns calories more quickly causing the body to tire more easily.  However, it’s important to remember that some cold-related illnesses and injuries do not require extremely cold temperatures to occur. If you have to work in cold conditions stay warm and keep your feet and hands covered and dry to prevent injury.