Working in the cold months of the year brings unique challenges, especially when it comes to ensuring the safety and comfort of your staff.
Whether your employees are working outside in civil engineering, working in the offshore industry, or are in cold production areas and cold stores, it is crucial to keep them protect against the cold.
Cold working conditions are not only uncomfortable, but can also serious health risks entail, such as hypothermia and frostbite.
Here we discuss the importance of the right clothes and personal protective equipment (PPE) To keep your employees warm and safe during the cold December months.
We will discuss the risks of working in cold conditions, the essential three-layer system for optimal insulation, and the role of a PPE adviser When choosing the right workwear.
This way, we ensure that your team is not only protected from the cold, but can also work efficiently and comfortably, whatever the weather!
Read on for more information on this topic >>
What are the risks of working in the cold?
Working in cold conditions carries significant risks that should not be underestimated. It is essential to be aware of these risks to ensure your health and safety.
1. Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when your body temperature drops below 35 °C, which can happen in cold working environments. In extreme cases, hypothermia can lead to life-threatening situations, especially if your body temperature drops below 32 °C, compromising metabolism and vital functions.
2. Freezing (in extreme conditions)
Frostbite is another serious risk, especially at temperatures below freezing. This often affects the fingers, toes, nose and ears. Frostbite can lead to cold injury, where tissues die and, in severe cases, can even lead to amputations. It is therefore crucial to equip yourself with adequate protective clothing specifically designed to protect these body parts in extreme cold.
3. Resistance and relationship with colds and flu
Prolonged exposure to cold can also lower immunity. This happens because blood circulation in mucous membranes decreases, making your body more susceptible to infections such as colds and flu. Although these conditions are not directly caused by the cold, a weakened immune system in a cold environment can increase the risk of absenteeism
The three-layer system: keeping you warm and dry
To effectively protect yourself from the cold, the three-layer system is a tried-and-tested method. This system consists of three layers of clothing working together to keep you warm and dry, regardless of weather conditions.
Layer 1: Wind- and waterproof
The outer layer of the three-layer system is crucial; it is your shield against wind and rain. This layer must be wind- and waterproof to prevent cold air and moisture from reaching your body. At the same time, it is important for this layer to be breathable so that perspiration can escape from within. This will keep you dry and comfortable, even during intense work.
Layer 2: Insulation
The middle layer is the insulation layer, often made of materials such as fleece or wool. This layer retains the heat your body produces, creating an insulating buffer between the cold outside air and your body.
Layer 3: Thermo
The inner layer, the thermal layer, plays an essential role in moisture management. This layer, often made of moisture-wicking materials, helps move perspiration away from your skin. This is crucial, as moisture on the skin can lead to rapid cooling. By wicking away moisture effectively, you stay dry and warm, and the risk of hypothermia is reduced.
By strategically combining these three layers, you can achieve an optimal balance of protection, insulation and comfort, which is essential for working in cold conditions.
Just work safely and comfortably, you can!
Our PPE advisers have extensive experience in fitting comfortable clothing in cold conditions. The use of clothing is increasingly technical these days, allowing you to use well-thought-out clothing can already do a lot to minimise risks. Think multinorm softshell jackets and the use of thermal clothing. Our workwear offers equal opportunities for your appearance, such as corporate colours, printing and your own logos.
Want to know more? Then contact one of our advisers.
