Working outside in extremely cold weather can leave workers susceptible to hypothermia, frostbite or other injuries from cold. To stay warm and protected, it is important to wear warm clothing and stay heated. Abolox Safety brings you high-quality equipment against cold. Choose your winter gear according to the requirements of your employers and the safety hazards that you face.

1. Layer up

When you are working outside in extremely cold weather, using multiple layers of clothing.The base thermal layer should be moisture-wicking to draw the sweat away from your body. The second layer can be of a breathable material like fleece. Whereas, the outer layer should protect from wind and water. It is also important that these layers fit well and provide warmth and comfort at the same time. You can choose to buy a winter bomber jacket with a zipping up liner as it combines the second and the third layer to provide optimal protection against the cold wind. If you are exposed to the cold and wet conditions, consider buying Radians Three in one Parka. It has a wind and waterproof shell with an inner fleece jacket for warmth and protection.

2. Head and Neck Protection

If you ignore the winter gear for your head, you can lose a lot of body heat. The best way to protect yourself is to have full-body coverage. Ergodyne stretch cap  keeps your head and neck protected against cold. Made up of 100% polyester knit, the stretch cap is ideal for the people dealing in construction, freight, maintenance, and cold storage. You can also choose to buy Ergodyne Zipper Trapper Hat to keep yourself warm and dry. Combined with a bump cap, it can keep you protected against bruises, scrapes, and other head injuries.

3. Gloves and Mittens

While choosing your winter gear, it is important to choose gloves and mittens which not only protect you against cold and wet conditions but also allow dexterity and comfort. Radians Latex coated gloves protect against cold weather and abrasion. It has a nylon outer shell and the latex coated palm which provides safety against the cold weather. Alternatively, you can also choose to buy Ergodyne Thermal Utility Gloves. Besides protecting against the cold, they have a touch screen capable thumb and index finger. The insulated fill keeps your hands warm and protected and allow you to manage your smartphone as well. 

4. Protective Eye-wear

Protective eye-wear is extremely important if you are exposed to extremely cold temperatures, bright light, or glare. The cold wind can blow debris and snow in your eyes causing redness, irritation, or injury. Similarly, exposure to glare can cause snow blindness, a corneal injury that can lead to the loss of vision. If you have to work at an extremely cold temperature, you can choose to buy Radians Anti Fog glasses. The foam-lined frame prevents the snow and debris from entering into the eyes. Polycarbonate lens gives impact protection and 99.9% UV protection as well. Similarly, Ergodyne Safety Glasses also provide optimal protection against the cold weather. They meet ANSI Z87.1+, CSA Z94.3 standards. The anti-fog technology ensures a clear vision. The glasses are ideal for the people in maintenance, oil/gas, mining, and manufacturing.

5. Protective FootWear

If you avoid safety footwear during extremely cold weather, it reduces your mobility and can cause frostbite or other injuries. A two-layer sock system can keep your feet warm and dry. The moisture-wicking layer can keep your skin dried up whereas the woolen layer can trap the heat inside. Furthermore, the foot-warming packs can provide extra protection against cold. If you walk a lot on the ice, you need an ice traction device as well. Ergodyne ice traction device enables you to get a strong grip on all types of terrain. It delivers tenacious grip and stability for shoes. 

Key Takeaway

If the outdoor workers do not use appropriate safety equipment during the winter, they are susceptible to cold stress, hypothermia, frostbite, trench foot, and chilblains. However, proper protection and training can prevent work-related injuries. Protect yourself from head to toe with the appropriate safety gear and keep yourself and your workers safe from all the hazards.