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The cold weather is officially with us for the coming months, bringing with it a pressing need for workers across certain industries to stay warm and safe – as well as visible and protected – with the correct winter-ready personal protective equipment.
This kind of weather presents unique challenges in workplace safety, especially in outdoor or poorly insulated environments It is crucial to recognise the importance of reliable PPE to combat the season’s elements.
Read on to learn more about the essential components of winter-ready PPE, and for expert tips on choosing gear that ticks all the boxes in terms of safety and comfort.
Winter PPE isn’t simply designed to keep the wearer warm. During the colder months, reduced visibility from shorter daylight hours, slippery surfaces from snow and ice, and the risk of frostbite in extreme temperatures all contribute to workplace hazards. Proper winter PPE must then protect against these risks, and enhance productivity and comfort in the process.
When choosing gear, factors such as insulation, breathability, waterproofing and high visibility should therefore all be considered.
The latter factor – visibility – should be made a top priority in winter, with low-light conditions prevalent during early mornings and late afternoons. High-visibility jackets, trousers and vests equipped with reflective strips ensure workers are seen, reducing the risk of accidents.
When selecting high-visibility workwear, ensure that it meets the EN ISO 20471 standard requirements for reflective clothing.
High-visibility clothing should also be breathable and insulated, with enough pockets for functionality, without compromising visibility. Winter-ready high-vis jackets come in fluorescent colours like orange or yellow, which contrast with winter’s darker backdrop, making them especially effective.
Insulation is essential in winter, but it’s equally important that winter PPE is breathable. Excess moisture trapped inside can lead to discomfort and even hypothermia.
High-quality winter PPE features moisture-wicking layers and strategically placed ventilation to maintain airflow. Layering is a practical approach to managing warmth and mobility. A typical layered winter workwear setup includes:
Breathable membranes in jackets and trousers, like those found in advanced materials such as Gore-Tex, also offer excellent insulation without sacrificing ventilation, making them ideal for high-activity tasks.
Hands are particularly vulnerable to the cold, therefore gloves are critical for maintaining both warmth and dexterity.
Winter gloves for work should be insulated, water-resistant and offer a secure grip to reduce the risk of accidents. Many work gloves now come with touch-screen-compatible fingertips, allowing workers to use their devices without removing their gloves – a practical feature for maintaining warmth.
In environments where both dexterity and warmth are needed, gloves with flexible thermal insulation like Thinsulate offer a great balance. When dealing with wet or icy conditions, look for gloves with rubberised or textured palms to enhance grip.
Winter conditions can be particularly tough on the feet, with risks of frostbite, slips and falls increasing during the latter months of the year. In response to this, safety boots designed for winter use are insulated to retain heat and often have waterproof or water-resistant exteriors. It’s important to look for boots with non-slip soles that provide strong traction on wet or icy surfaces to prevent falls.
Thermal insoles can be a helpful addition, providing extra warmth and cushioning. Additionally, choosing footwear with composite toes, rather than steel, can help reduce cold transfer while still protecting from impacts.
The head is a significant point of heat loss, making hats, helmets and face masks crucial in winter conditions.
For outdoor workers exposed to extreme cold, balaclavas and thermal helmet liners offer full head and neck coverage, reducing the risk of frostbite. However, it’s important to note that helmets should be compatible with winter liners to maintain head protection without sacrificing warmth.
For work that requires clear communication, consider options with integrated ear protection or earmuffs that allow radio connectivity while keeping ears warm.
Winter PPE undergoes more wear and tear than summer gear due to its thicker material and exposure to harsh elements. Regular inspections help ensure that equipment remains in top condition. This involves checking for any cracks in the waterproof lining, worn-out insulation, or damaged reflective strips that could compromise efficacy.
Proper storage is also vital. PPE should be stored in dry, ventilated areas when not in use, and waterproof items should be air-dried thoroughly to prevent the build-up of mould or mildew.
Equipping your team with winter-ready PPE is a proactive step in safeguarding them against the season’s unique hazards. By choosing the right layers, high-visibility options, insulated gloves and boots, and protective headgear, workers can focus on their tasks without compromising comfort or safety.
At Ark Safety, we offer a range of winter PPE solutions that meet the highest standards of safety and durability. We’re committed to helping you find the right gear that meets the needs of your workforce, ensuring that safety remains a priority regardless of the season.
Contact us today to find out how we can help you and your team put safety first over the coldest months of the year.
