Summary
102078
A Method Handbook for Cold Work
Study period: 2002 - 2004
Abstract: Cold reduces physical and mental work performance. Performance is impaired particularly in tasks requiring manual dexterity or complex tasks. Cold conditions increase health and safety risks at work. Cold is also associated with impaired safety behaviour of workers. An increased rate of cold-related injuries and aggravation of the symptoms of many common illnesses have also been demonstrated at cold temperatures.
Some 300 000 Finns are estimated to be exposed to cold during at least half of their working hours. According to international standards, cold work is defined as a working environment with a temperature below +15°C or in which a person experiences cold-related symptoms during work.
The Oulu Region Joint Authority for Vocational Training, the cold and health consultants Hassi Oy and the Oulu Regional Institute of Occupational Health participated in a cold-research project which has developed and published a Method Handbook for Cold Work on CD. Aimed at foremen and occupational health and safety staff, the handbook provides a toolbox for recognising and assessing cold-induced risks for health and safety in the workplace, guidance for planning actions to manage such risks, material for training and information and methods for use in occupational health care. All the methods can be used either on a computer or manually.
Keywords: labour protection, health, cold work, cold hazard, risk management, safety
Report: T. Risikko, J. Hassi, T.M. Mäkinen, H. Rintamäki: A Method Handbook for Cold Work. CD. Oulu, 2004. Orders by e-mail: katri.vaananen@osakk.fi or tilaukset@procold.com or tuula.vauhkonen@ttl.fi
T. Risikko, T.M. Mäkinen, A. Påsche, L. Toivonen, J. Hassi: A model for managing cold-related health and safety risks at workplaces. Int J Circumpolar Health 62:204—215, 2003.
Additional info: Tanja Risikko, Rovaniemi Polytechnic, Jokiväylä 11, FI-96300 Rovaniemi, Finland, tel: +358 40 824 8013, e-mail: tanja.risikko@ramk.fi
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