---
title: "What Is Frostbite? Heat Stress and Hydration Glossary"
description: "Frostbite is an injury to the body caused by freezing. It is one of the cold-related illnesses workers face in very cold weather or in unheated work areas."
url: https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/frostbite
publisher: JMAR Solutions
phone: +1-214-632-7780
quote: https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/contact
---

Cold

# Frostbite

Frostbite is an injury to the body caused by freezing. It is one of the cold-related illnesses workers face in very cold weather or in unheated work areas.

Frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing, according to NIOSH. It is one of four cold-related illnesses NIOSH lists, along with [hypothermia](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/hypothermia), trench foot and chilblains.

NIOSH advises workers to protect the ears, face, hands and feet. It suggests insulated, waterproof boots, a hat, and extra socks and gloves. It also says to avoid touching cold metal surfaces with bare skin and to move to warm locations during breaks. Employers can provide warm break areas and limit time outside on extremely cold days. See [cold stress](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/cold-stress) and our [cold stress at work guide](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/guides/cold-stress-at-work) for a full plan.

[From JMAR SolutionsHydration programs and toolbox talks for crews](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/hydration-programs)

## Related terms

-   [Cold stress](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/cold-stress)
-   [Hypothermia](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/hypothermia)
-   [Core body temperature](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/core-body-temperature)

## Sources

1.  [CDC NIOSH: Cold-related Illnesses in Workers](https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/cold-stress/about/related-illness.html)
2.  [CDC NIOSH: Cold and Work, Types, Causes, Preparation](https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/cold-stress/about/index.html)

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