Trench foot

In addition, wet or freezing weather conditions can raise the risk of frostbite and trench foot among those who work out of doors. 

Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can result in health problems as serious as trench foot, frostbite, and hypothermia. When body temperature drops even a few degrees below its normal temperature of 98.6°F, the blood vessels constrict, decreasing peripheral blood flow to reduce heat loss from the surface of the skin. The four environmental factors that contribute to cold-related stress include low temperatures, high/cool winds, dampness, and cold water. Wind chill, a combination... 

In many parts of the country construction workers who brave outdoor conditions face the hazard of exposure to cold temperatures. Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can result in health problems like trench foot, frostbite, and h5 othermia. Employers need to be especially mindful of the weather, its effects on workers, and techniques to prevent injuries. 

Trench foot is caused by long, continuous exposure to a wet, cold environment, or actual immersion in water. 

Trench foot.Site Safety — General — Working in Cold Conditions... 

Trench foot Trenchfoot can occur when there is exposure for several days to temperatures sensed as cold (but weU above freezing), when the skin is moist, and when there is inactivity. The prolonged exposure causes vasoconstriction in the feet and legs. Prolonged cold conditions above... 

In a cold environment, certain physiologic mechanisms come into play, which tend to limit heat loss and increase heat production. The most severe strain in cold conditions is chilling of the extremities so that activity is restricted. Special precautions must be taken in cold environments to prevent frostbite, trench foot, and general hypothermia. Protective insulated clothing for both hot and cold environments will add additional bulk to the worker and must be considered in allowing for movement in the confined space and exit time. 

Trench foot is a condition caused by long, continuous exposme to cold without freezing in combination with persistent dampness or actual immersion in water. Blistering, skin tissue death, and ulceration follow after swelling, tingling, itching, and severe pain. 

Chilblains is similar to trench foot except that it affects other parts of the body. 

The main cold injuries are frostnip, frostbite, immersion foot, and trench foot, which occur in localized areas of the body. Frostnip is the mildest form of cold injury and occurs when ear lobes, noses, cheeks, fingers, or toes are exposed to cold. The skin of the affected area turns white. Frostnip can be prevented by warm clothing and is treated by simple rewarming. 

Immersion foot occurs in individuals whose feet have been wet, but not freezing cold, for days or weeks. The primary injury is to nerve and muscle tissue. Symptoms are numbness, swelling, or even superficial gangrene. Trench foot is wet cold disease resulting from exposure to moisture at or near the freezing point for one to several days. Symptoms are similar to immersion foot (swelling and tissue damage). 

Cold-weather hazards. When the body is unable to warm itself, serious cold-related illnesses and injuries may occur, including permanent tissue damage and possibly death. Prolonged exposure to freezing or cold temperatures or cold-water immersion may cause trench foot, frostbite, and hypothermia. 

Common controls. Seek medical attention immediately for hypothermia, and quickly for cases of frostbite and trench foot. If medical help isn t immediately available for hypothermia,... 

First aid for frosfbife or trench foot indudes the following ... 

---