Abstract
Company and contractor have a joint commitment to health risk management stated in health polices and should develop a health management system which needs to be based on a full and careful appraisal of the health hazards to which personnel will be exposed.
One of these health hazards is the climate in which people live and work. A set of guidelines on cold has been prepared for member companies of the Exploration and Production Forum. Future guidelines are in preparation concerning work in hot climates.
Work in the cold poses a certain number of acute daily problems. As long as the employee is in a protected environment (base, housing, camp), the risk is minimal. However, as soon as he or she steps out into the extreme cold, he or she is exposed to a large number of potential problems.
These guidelines, which target line management as well as the company health professionals, aim at preventing accidents, illness and loss of life by providing useful information.
It is important to remember that these guidelines are primarily aimed at the protection and maintenance of health and that, in certain situations, additional measures may be required to ensure effective and efficient performance.
Staying healthy in the cold for days and weeks is possible, providing one is physically and mentally prepared and has access to the correct equipment. However, one's condition is also dependant on the application of sensible precautions based on knowledge of the local conditions and of personal limitations.
