Cold Weather Protection for Field Workers

With colder weather on the horizon in many states, and with some northern climates already in the grip of temperatures bordering on uncomfortable, it is once again time to consider the ergonomic and safety implications of outdoor work during the winter season.  The introduction of snow, ice and below freezing wind chill can seriously alter the safety of a construction site, in particular with regards to the potential for falls.  However, there are some other winter considerations that must be made in terms of how exposure to the elements can affect worker health in less dramatic fashion.

Colder temperatures can have an impact on employees in ways that may not be immediately obvious.  Limbs, muscles and nerves which have been dulled by the cold do not react nearly as quickly as they do at room temperature, and manual dexterity is also lower.  This can increase the chances of an accident involving power tools, electrical wiring or any other task that requires delicate and precise hand movements.  Exposure to the cold can also affect skin in a way that is not noticeable until it is too late to take steps to reverse the damage. Specialty cold-weather gloves are a must.

There are a number of different options that risk managers can employ to augment the personal protection equipment of their outdoor workers during the winter season.  Portable work tents are a good solution for individual workers performing maintenance tasks or inspection work in a specific area for an extended period of time.  Allegro manufactures several different work tents that are designed to protect employees from strong winds, snow and rain while on the job.  Using a flame retardant material framed by metal poles, these tents can be set up from the inside and also offer a blower duct tube.  Heaters for these tents are also available, which can greatly extend the period of time a worker can spend on task.

For jobs which require more mobility than a tent allows, such as a site walk-through or more rapid inspection process, risk managers should focus on providing their employees with thermal gear that complements and works with their personal protective equipment.  Liners that fit under hard hats without compromising their safety are particularly helpful, and can be purchased in designs that wrap around the full face, neck or just the top of the head.  Insulating gloves that can be worn inside of protective work gloves are another excellent option for dealing with the cold, as in general wearing different layers is a good strategy for keeping out the cold.

Even though it can be tempting to pile on as many different jackets, vests and other types of field gear as possible in an effort to stave off the winter chill, risk managers must be vigilant that workers are not impeding their mobility through the use of too many layers.  Not only can too many layers make for clumsy movement, but extra clothing can easily snag on scaffolding or other sharp and protruding surfaces, potentially leading to a fall or other type of injury.