Winter Health Issues and Prevention in the Workplace
Common Winter Health Issues
As temperatures drop and the winter months approach, workplaces should be aware of winter health issues employees can face. From illnesses like influenza and bronchitis to mental health concerns like Seasonal Affective Disorder, the winter can bring unique health challenges that impact individual well-being. Below, we will highlight common winter health issues:
- Common cold: Colds are caused by a viral infection affecting the upper respiratory tract.
- Flu (influenza): The flu is a contagious viral infection affecting the respiratory system.
- Bronchitis: Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes.
- Vitamin D deficiency: Reduced sunlight can lead to low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk for respiratory infections.
Employers can promote the prevention of these common issues by promoting healthy practices. Practices can include encouraging employees to stay home if sick, frequent handwashing, and implementing flexible work arrangements (if these are not already in place).
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Among Employees
While there are many physical illnesses caused by the winter, it is important to recognize the mental impacts winter months can have. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs during the winter months.
Causes and risk factors of SAD:
- Lack of sunlight: Reduced exposure to natural light affects serotonin levels, which regulate mood.
- Geographic location: Living far from the equator, where winters are longer and darker.
- Hormonal changes: Disruptions in circadian rhythms and hormone regulation.
SAD can impair employees’ judgment, reaction times, and overall well-being. It is key to provide mental health resources and support for employees during the winter months to help mitigate the impacts of SAD. We recommend frequently checking in with employees to gauge their well-being during this time. Our Health and Safety Specialist, Sandy Mayers Ibbitson, suggests implementing light therapy to combat SADs further.
Artificial lighting mimics outdoor light. This type of light may cause a chemical change in the brain that lifts your mood and eases other symptoms of SAD, such as being tired most of the time and sleeping too much (Seasonal affective disorder treatment: Choosing a lightbox – Mayo Clinic March 30, 2022). Some employees may also need to speak to their trusted healthcare professional to support them when they are in a low mood.
Cold Stress in the Workplace
Cold stress occurs when workers are exposed to cold conditions during outdoor seasonal work, and indoors in refrigerated or cold storage areas. Cold working conditions can lead to lower work efficiency and higher incident rates as the cold impairs the performance of complex mental tasks. Manual tasks also become impaired because the sensitivity and dexterity of fingers are reduced in the cold. At even lower temperatures, the cold affects the deeper muscles, resulting in reduced muscular strength and stiffened joints. For all these reasons, incidents can occur in very cold working conditions.
So, what can employers do to combat cold stress? Implementing a plan for working in cold weather is a must. For continuous work in temperatures below the freezing point, heated warming shelters such as tents, cabins, or restrooms should be available. Additionally, protective clothing should be worn.
Staying Healthy in the Winter: Tips for Employers & Employees
As the winter months bring unique health challenges to the workplace, it is essential for employers and employees to prioritize health and well-being. By understanding common winter health issues such as flu, bronchitis, vitamin D deficiency, SAD, and cold stress, workplaces can take preventive measures to mitigate their impact. As an employer or supervisor, you can:
- Promote frequent handwashing
- Encourage workers to stay home when feeling ill
- Implement flexible work arrangements
- Provide control measures for working in the cold
- Provide employees with mental health resources and supports
By prioritizing health and well-being, employers can help reduce the impact of winter health issues on their employees and the workplace as a whole. Remember, a healthy and happy workforce is essential for productivity, morale, and overall success.
