Prevention Plan for Extreme Cold Weather during the fast track construction of a mining complex

Introduction
Exposure to extreme cold weather is a health and safety risk for employees not accustomed to the arctic conditions. An evaluation of these risks has been taken forward during the construction of a mining complex. Subsequently, the contracting authority has established a comprehensive program of risk management and prevention plan dedicated to extreme cold. An assessment of health status was required for workers hired to detect a predisposition to accidents because of exposure to cold.

Methods
The risk assessments were evaluated. The medical officer, employee representatives and managers of the contracting authority agreed on a plan of prevention. This "extreme cold plan" included an assessment of health status and medical monitoring.

Results
The implementation of this plan for construction contractors was difficult given it was not in existence during the granting of contracts. The addition of new requirements such as medical visit by the contracting authority was not appropriate for entrepreneurs and associations of construction workers. The unions saw it as a discriminatory measure for the hiring of workers. In the absence of a medical examination, a medical health questionnaire was used.

Discussion
Exposure to cold induces physiological and psychological effects that are harmful to workers predisposed to these effects. This is especially true when these workers are subject to other risks such as vibrations. A complete medical evaluation including workers of a certain age is crucial. This can be done with proper planning of work. And yet, a fast-track construction project does not allow enough space for that. The solution might be to integrate the prevention measures upstream the bidding or the tender.