As a worker in the state of New York, you know that the winter months can bring cold weather and plenty of snow. If you find yourself working outdoors in inclement weather, it’s imperative that you understand the most common signs and symptoms of frostbite.
In extreme cold, frostbite can set in within a matter of minutes. For this reason, you need to protect your skin at all times.
During the early stages of frostbite, you may notice your skin turning a pale shade of white or yellow. Along with this, your skin may burn, sting or itch.
During the next stage, your skin may appear waxy or shiny. Also, you may notice some blisters forming.
In the final stage of frostbite, the skin is cold to the touch and turning extremely hard. Also, it may appear dark blue or even black in color.
Many people never know they are dealing with frostbite because as it progresses, you can no longer feel the area. This is why you need to keep a close watch on any exposed skin, taking immediate action if you see any changes in color.
The best thing you can do is avoid working outdoors in extreme cold. If this isn’t possible, make sure you wear the proper clothing, as to keep your skin protected at all times.
If you have reason to believe you’re dealing with the aftermath of frostbite, don’t wait to seek medical attention. Furthermore, if this keeps you out of work in the future, you’ll want to learn more about obtaining workers’ compensation benefits.
Source: Web MD, “Frostbite: How to Spot, Treat, and Prevent It,” accessed Jan. 04, 2018