The Top 5 Winter Hazards And How PPE Can Protect You

For professionals who regularly engage in outdoor activities in cold environments, winter hazards become part and parcel of their daily working lives.

From cold stress to slips and falls, these hazards can endanger workers’ health and safety, demanding risk prevention measures. This is where PPE comes in, serving as the frontline defence against these risks and helping workers remain safe, comfortable, and productive during the colder months.

This article explores the top five winter hazards and the essential PPE solutions to combat them effectively.

Cold stress: Protecting against extreme cold

Cold stress is a collective term for conditions such as hypothermia, frostbite and trench foot, which occur when the body loses heat faster than it can produce.

Hypothermia, in particular, can be life-threatening, leading to confusion, unconsciousness or even death if not addressed promptly.

Frostbite can cause permanent damage to extremities, while trench foot results from prolonged exposure to cold, wet conditions.

PPE solutions to protect against cold stress

• Layered clothing systems: Layering is the most effective defence against cold stress. A moisture-wicking base layer keeps sweat away from the skin, while an insulating middle layer traps heat. An outer layer made from waterproof and wind-resistant material protects against snow, rain, and wind. This combination ensures that workers remain warm and dry without overheating.

• Insulated gloves and boots: Frostbite often targets the extremities first. Insulated gloves protect the hands while maintaining flexibility for handling tools. Similarly, insulated, waterproof boots keep feet warm and dry, preventing frostbite and trench foot.

• Head and face protection: Up to 10% of body heat can be lost through the head, so protecting this area can make a significant difference. Hats, balaclavas or insulated helmet liners help retain body heat, while face masks provide additional protection against biting winds.

Slips, trips and falls: Navigating ice and snow safely

According to the HSA, around 29% of non-fatal injuries are caused by a slip, trip or fall at work. Winter conditions significantly increase the risk of such injury due to icy walkways, snowy surfaces and hidden hazards. These accidents can lead to severe injuries such as sprains, fractures and head trauma.

PPE solutions to protect against slips, trips and falls

• Slip-resistant footwear: Insulated and water-resistant footwear ensures both safety and comfort. Workers should wear boots with deep rubber treads for superior grip on slippery surfaces.

• Attachable ice grips: Ice grips or traction devices that fit over footwear provide additional grip on icy terrain, reducing the risk of falls on particularly treacherous surfaces.

• Anti-slip mats and floor coverings: For indoor environments where snow and ice may be tracked inside, anti-slip mats help to prevent falls.

Reduced visibility: Staying visible in low-light conditions

Winter brings shorter days, overcast skies and severe weather, all of which reduce visibility. Workers operating near moving vehicles or machinery face heightened risks when visibility is compromised, making high-visibility PPE essential.

PPE solutions to protect against low-light conditions

• High-visibility clothing: High-visibility clothing is critical for construction workers, road crews and anyone working near traffic. Brightly coloured jackets, vests and coveralls with reflective strips ensure that workers remain visible even in dim or stormy conditions.

• Reflective accessories: Reflective tape on helmets, gloves and tools will provide an extra layer of visibility. These additions ensure workers can be seen from all angles, even in low-light settings.

• Headlamps and flashlights: In addition to wearing high-visibility gear, workers should carry portable lighting to illuminate their immediate surroundings.

Hand injuries: Maintaining dexterity and grip

Cold temperatures can reduce grip strength and hand dexterity, making workers more prone to accidents and injuries. Additionally, prolonged exposure to freezing conditions can lead to frostbite or chilblains on the hands and fingers.

PPE solutions to protect against hand injuries

• Thermal gloves: Insulated gloves that provide warmth without compromising dexterity are essential for outdoor tasks. Gloves made from synthetic materials or insulated leather are ideal for handling tools in cold environments.

• Liner gloves: Thin liner gloves can be worn under heavier gloves for additional warmth and protection. This layering system also allows workers to remove the outer gloves temporarily for tasks requiring fine motor skills.

• Waterproof coatings: For workers exposed to wet conditions, gloves with waterproof coatings prevent moisture from soaking through and causing discomfort or frostbite.

Respiratory issues: Managing cold air and pollutants

Cold, dry air can irritate the respiratory system, exacerbating conditions such as asthma and making it difficult for workers to breathe comfortably. In addition, winter often brings increased exposure to airborne pollutants, such as diesel fumes from machinery or dust from snow removal operations.

PPE solutions to protect against respiratory issues

• Face masks and balaclavas: Masks and balaclavas not only provide warmth but also help pre-warm the air entering the lungs, reducing respiratory strain. Masks with filters can also protect against inhalation of harmful particles.

• Hydration strategies: Staying hydrated is an often overlooked aspect of respiratory health. Proper hydration maintains the integrity of mucous membranes, which serve as a natural barrier against irritants.

• Respirators: For workers exposed to airborne pollutants, respirators with appropriate filters offer vital protection, particularly in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces.

Additional tips for winter safety

While PPE is critical, it is equally important to combine it with safety training and workplace modifications. Employers should:

• Conduct regular inspections of work areas to identify and mitigate winter hazards such as icy walkways or snow-covered equipment.
• Provide workers with training on recognising cold stress symptoms and the correct use of PPE.
• Establish warm-up stations or designated warm, dry areas where workers can take breaks and regain body heat.
• Encourage a team approach to safety, where workers look out for each other and report hazardous conditions promptly.

Avoid lethal winter hazards with high-quality PPE from Ark Safety

Winter hazards can be effectively managed with the right combination of preparation, safety practices and PPE. Employers have a responsibility to equip their teams with the necessary PPE and training to navigate winter challenges confidently.

At Ark Safety, our cold-weather workwear and PPE are expertly crafted to tackle the toughest conditions, delivering unmatched safety and comfort in extreme environments. Our team is here to equip you and your workforce with a thoughtfully curated PPE solution, ensuring you’re prepared not just for the weather, but for optimal safety as well.

Reach out to us today for expert guidance on winter PPE that keeps your team warm while fully adhering to industry safety standards.