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What Kind of PPE Is Needed for Extreme Winter Weather?

By Jessica Thomas
Last updated: September 20, 2018
Presented by AD Safety Network
Key Takeaways

In the winter, a worker's PPE should keep them warm and dry.

When your job keeps you outdoors, there's no such thing as a typical workday. Depending on the weather, you might have to deal with sweat-inducing heat, pummeling rain, or frigid cold.

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All of these conditions come with their own sets of hazards, changes in working procedures, and will affect the kind of clothing and PPE needed to get through the day safely and comfortably.

While it would be ideal to keep every worker indoors when the temperatures dip, that's simply not possible. Project deadlines only have so much leeway and firefighters and paramedics need to answer emergency calls no matter how bad the weather might be.

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Since many workers have to brave the cold, it's important for them and their employers to know the risks they face and how to dress to mitigate those risks.

Is It Cold Enough to Worry?

If you're even asking yourself this question, then yes, it's cold enough to worry.

But let's put a number on it so you can make a more informed decision. Research suggests that cold-related conditions like chilblains and immersion foot can be a problem as soon as the temperature goes below 60°F (or 15°C). If you can expect to see that kind of reading the thermometer in the near future, it's time to start getting ready.

Of course, the thermometer reading itself might be misleading. That's because air temperature is only one of the factors that determines how cold it really is outside. Wind chill, moisture levels, and other weather indicators also play a role and should be taken into account.

Simply put, the human body reacts very differently to a day that is 35 degrees and sunny with calm winds than it does in 35-degree temperature accompanied by a downpour and strong winds.

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If you're not entirely sure how to account for the true outdoor conditions, then play it safe. Instead of waiting for the temperature to go below 60, break out the heavy winter gear when it's nearing 50.

(Learn more in Cold Stress: Your Winter Safety Guide)

Okay, I'm Worried Now. What Should I Do?

One of the first and most important steps you should take to protect your workers from the cold is to educate them about the risks they face. A formal training session followed by regular toolbox talks will ensure that your employees know why frigid temperatures are hazardous, understand the importance of wearing the right type of clothing, and are aware of the symptoms of frostbite, hypothermia, and other cold-related conditions.

That last point is an important one. The effects of cold temperatures on the body range from mild ones that only require a fifteen minute break in a warm room to more serious ones that will require emergency medical care. Workers who are able to identify the symptoms in themselves and their coworkers will be able to take action at the early stages, administer first aid, and prevent these conditions from worsening.

Administrative controls could also improve worker safety during the winter. Shortening the work day to avoid working in the colder evenings can reduce exposure. So does scheduling outdoor projects for the warmer months. Since workers can benefit from warming up regularly, scheduling more breaks during the cold season is another proactive step that can go a long way to keeping everyone safe.

(Learn more in A Primer on Administrative Controls)

Don't Forget the PPE and Workwear

While all those steps are important, no amount of training and careful scheduling will let you get around the fact that the human body simply isn't built to tolerate frigid weather. Seasonally appropriate protective equipment is absolutely essential.

There are two major goals when selecting protective clothing and PPE for the winter: keeping the user warm and keeping them dry. That's not just a matter of comfort – if a worker's clothing becomes wet, they are far more likely to be affected by hypothermia and other cold-related problems.

Here are a few key points to follow when selecting winter workwear.

Include Above-the-Neck Protection

It can be tempting to keep things simple with a warm coat and a decent pair of gloves, especially if workers have to step in and out of the cold often. But remember that we lose heat through the head, so keeping it exposed can be a problem no matter how well the rest of the body is covered.

Make hats a mandatory component of the winter safety gear. When temperatures drop low enough, a mask should also be added to protect the lungs by preventing the inhalation of extremely cold air.

Choose Gloves Carefully

Gloves are another essential component of any winter work outfit. The hands are highly susceptible to the cold and fingers can succumb to the cold very quickly.

Warm gloves aren't enough – they should be both insulated and waterproof.

There's a bit of a balancing act here, since thick and bulky gloves can provide the most protection but can impede an employee's ability to carry out their usual work. And if a worker is forced to remove their gloves to do their job, then you've essentially left them without protection. To avoid this, create an inventory of the tasks that each worker might have to perform outdoors and select gloves that will provide adequate protection while still allowing enough dexterity to carry out the work comfortably and effectively.

Get the Right Footwear

Waterproof boots and wool socks are your go-to options for keeping feet safe during the winter. Your run of the mill work boots might look tough, but they will accumulate water easily if they're worn by someone working in snow. And that can result in discomfort, pain, and infections that could've easily been avoided with a proper pair of winter boots.

(Learn more about Selecting the Correct Footwear to Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls)

Increase Warmth by Layering

Layering clothing is one of the most effective ways to stay warm. By choosing clothes made from the right types of fabric, each layer can play an important role in keeping workers safe and comfortable.

While there are different preferences when it comes to layering, the following generally applies:

  • The base layer (the one worn against the skin) be made of moisture-wicking fabric. This layer will absorb sweat, keeping the wearer dry.
  • The layer worn over that one should be a fabric that provides a lot of warmth. Wool is a very good option for this.
  • Finally, the outer layer should be waterproof to protect against snow and rain dampening the worker's clothing.

What About the Budget?

You can get a waterproof coat or jacket on the cheap. Warm socks won't break the bank either.

But what about high-quality waterproof boots? Those can run a pretty penny, and the average employee might not be able to afford them.

While any organization working on a tight budget might want to pass those costs onto the employees, doing so also passes on the consequences. And as we've seen, the consequences of working without the right kind of footwear can be serious – and costly once the lost time injuries and compensation claims come into play.

It's far more prudent and cost-efficient to simply step up to the plate and provide decent winter work boots for each employee. True, OSHA doesn't mandate that companies provide this type of safety equipment and leaves it up to each employer's discretion. But if you think of winter workwear as a type of PPE, then it makes sense to supply them just as you would with earplugs, safety glasses, and fall protection harnesses.

Aside from all the safety issues, no one does their best work when they're shivering in the dead of winter. Comfortable workers are productive workers, and a small purchase of winter gear up front will ensure that you get the most out of every employee you have on site.

Conclusion

It's easy for employers to shrug off winter workwear as "not my responsibility," but protecting workers from frostbite and hypothermia most certainly is. Before sending workers out in the cold, be sure to take every reasonable step to help them stay warm, dry, and safe.

Head over to our PPE Learning Center for articles, webinars, and other informative content.

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