Stay on the Job with Cold Weather Work Clothes — and More Tips for Working in the Cold

As we sit down to write this blog article and as you are reading it, the temperatures in your area might be uncomfortably hot as summer heat is in full force. But the calendar reminds all of us that the warm weather won't last. Cooler temperatures will come and now is the time to start thinking about staying warm at work and cold weather work clothes.

Frigid temperatures, just like heat, can have an effect on work productivity and comfort. It's important to know how to prepare for working in the cold. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), winter weather can expose outdoor workers to frostbite, hypothermia and cold stress, all of which can be fatal¹.

The first step in preventing serious complications or fatalities from cold-related stress is to recognize the symptoms, including reddening skin, tingling, pain, swelling, leg cramps and blisters². When these conditions occur, immediate medical assistance is needed.

There are steps that can help eliminate any cold stress issues. Follow these best practices for staying warm at work in cold weather:

Know What You're Getting Into

It's important to know the weather conditions before working in them. Look at the forecast, including temperature, precipitation, wind chill, etc. When you know what to expect, you can gauge work exposure risks. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information from the nearest NOAA office.

Train for the Elements

In addition to knowing the symptoms of cold stress, employers should prepare employees for cold weather work by following steps designed for employee safety:

• Monitor workers' physical conditions
• Schedule frequent breaks in warm, dry areas
• Schedule work for the warmest parts of the day when possible
• Use the buddy system
• Provide warm, sweet beverages
• Provide external heat sources such as radiant heater or heat lamps³

Dress for All Weather
At Vestis^® we understand that what an employee wears plays a huge part in their productivity, comfort and safety. This is especially true when it comes to cold weather work clothes.

A report by the National Center for Health Statistics concludes that winter cold kills more people than summer heat⁴. Certain jobs and employees are more at risk to exposure, including airport ground personnel, automotive workers, construction, meat packing, mining, oil and gas, first responders, trucking and utility workers. Any employee that has to work in the cold should prepare now for staying warm at work with cold weather work clothes.

OSHA recommends:

• Wearing three layers of loose fitting clothing, including an inner layer to keep moisture away from the body; a middle layer to provide added insulation; an outer wind and rain protection layer
• Head coverings to retain heat and protect ears
• Gloves, not only for warmth, but also to protect hands from coming in contact with cold metal or wet surfaces
• Footwear that provides waterproof protection. Removable felt insoles are particularly warming
• Clothing that provides added visibility. Reflective gear helps ensure that workers are seen in lowlight conditions due to shorter days. Enhanced or high-visibility clothing is also helpful in unexpected stormy or white out conditions⁵

Vestis Delivers

Vestis^® carries a wide range of uniforms, workwear and outerwear for all temperatures - from a slight chill to extreme cold. Vestis offers convenient rental programs that include dependable laundering and delivery services on a regular basis or direct purchase styles that are ideal on their own or as a supplement to a rental program. With name brands like Carhartt®, Nike, The North Face, SteelGuard^® and WearGuard^®, there's a fit and style for everyone.

Vestis recently introduced several new cold weather styles into our broad offering. Choose from waterproof and wind resistant Storm Defender^® jackets, rugged sweatshirts and FR wear from Carhartt^®. Layer up in full-zip fleece or moisture-wicking ¼ zips from The North Face^®. Or start cold weather season off with lightweight options from Nike that are great to wear alone or as a breathable mid-layer. Plus, there's rainwear, sweats and 3-in-1 system outerwear from WearGuard^®, SteelGuard^® FR and insulated coveralls and so many more styles from your favorite brands in a wide range of sizes, colors and ready to be customized with your logo. Plus, we offer hats and footwear to complete your cold weather gear.

It's never too early to get ready for cooler temperatures. Start now and be prepared for whatever Mother Nature brings to your work shift. Get a free quote or check out our direct purchase styles at shop.vestis.com

^1,2 osha.gov/winterweather

3 https://www.osha.gov/winter-weather/cold-stress

4 https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhsr/nhsr076.pdf

5 https://http://osha10hrtraining.com/blog/winter/protective-clothing-for-cold-weather-worker-safety/