Jan
Temperatures drop. Snow falls. Winter means cold weather, harsh winds and less than desirable working conditions. A tough job gets more challenging when you’re cold. You can take some of the bite out of winter with quality workwear designed for the elements.
Each new season brings with it new hazards that can affect your health and safety. Typical dangers in cold conditions include cold stress or fatigue, reduced visibility and a greater likelihood of slips, trips and falls. Let’s look at some of these conditions and how proper workwear can help to mitigate them.
Cold Stress and Fatigue
When your skin and internal body temperature drops below a safe margin, you run the risk of hypothermia – a condition when your body is losing heat faster than it can produce it. Hypothermia occurs when your body temperature drops below 35 Celsius. Symptoms include shivering, slurred speech, slow, shallow breathing, weak pulse, a lack of coordination and drowsiness. Fortunately, you can prevent Cold Stress and Fatigue by wearing proper clothing designed for cold weather conditions.
Winter Workwear
Battling the cold starts with good quality clothing designed for cold temperatures. However, suitable clothing is only a starting point – here are some things to consider:
Dress in layers starting with a base layer designed to wick away moisture. This approach will aid in regulating body temperature and prevent the onset of cold stress and fatigue. Next, add warm layers including such items as a sweatshirt, bib and jacket. You’ll need some suitable accessories like a warm hat, winter work gloves, a neck warmer, hardhat liner, and a face mask. And let’s not forget your foundation – you’ll need a quality pair of warm work boots. Your job might require cold weather (FR) flame-resistant or (AR) arc-flash clothing so make sure it meets or exceeds industry requirements.
Slips, Trips and Falls
Rain, sleet, ice and snow create hazardous conditions for workers. It’s easy to slip and become injured when you’re not wearing proper footwear. Quality footwear, designed for cold weather conditions, will enhance your stability and help you maintain your footing.
Trips happen in all weather conditions, but frozen and snow-covered terrain can hide trip hazards. Poor workwear can obscure your vision. Suitable workwear will allow you to see clearly. Of course, a properly supervised worksite will generally be free of most tripping hazards before the snowfalls.
Falls also happen in all weather conditions, but snow, rain, and slippery conditions can increase a mishap’s likelihood. Working from heights is always dangerous, and appropriate safety measures must always be taken. When snow and ice are present, extra caution must be taken when working on scaffolding or decking or climbing onto equipment and machinery. Even climbing a ladder can prove hazardous. Again, proper workwear (and common sense) will lessen the risk involved.
Extra caution should always be exercised when working in winter conditions. Slow down, think, anticipate and exercise good judgement. A sound game plan and a little forethought go a long way.
UpTen FR Apparel offers an exceptional line of comfortable, durable, and versatile FR workwear, including shirts, hoodies, and jackets – engineered to deliver comfortable, predictable protection in unpredictable situations. Superior protection against the harshest job site hazards. The team at UpTen FR is here to answer your questions, explain the advantages, and to help you select the right gear for your situation. Call 905-424-4481 or visit https://uptenfr.ca/contact/ Quality FR apparel, custom-crafted and tradespeople approved.
