During the winter, most people retreat indoors, where they can relax in the comfort of artificially heated environments. For people who work outdoors, however, productivity can't stop just because the weather turns cold. The following outdoor winter workwear can help keep your workforce stays warm, safe and busy when the temperature drops.
Waterproof Armor Skin High-Vis Velcro Gloves: Waterproof and heavily lined, these high-performing work gloves include reflective silver and high-visibility yellow around the knuckle. This makes them a safe option for road work and law enforcement. They are also made from the strongest synthetic glove material on the market.
Quilted-Flannel Lined Duck Active Jac by Carhartt: Built with Carhartt's signature 12 oz. heavy weight cotton duck material, this flannel lined jacket includes a waistband and heavy rib knit cuffs to lock in the body warmth, along with a pair of large side pockets for keeping the hands warm through the coldest weather.
Knit Hat with Visors: Also by Carhartt, this 100-percent acrylic rib-knit hat keeps workers warm, while also shielding them from sunlight. One-size-fits-all versatility ensures comfort, and the fabric is job-tested to ensure a long-lasting product that can endure the most trying work environments.
Flannel-lined Work Pants by Dickies: Fully lined with flannel, these comfortable work pants lock in body heat. They are also stain-resistant and require no ironing, so your crew will never look unkempt on the job site.
Tradesman Quilt Lined Jackets: Boasting a "Rugged Duck" shell, this winter jacket offers the durability and warmth of cotton duck without the restrictive finish. The coat includes a warm quilted lining that won't cause sweating in the afternoon and leaves room for layering in the cooler morning and evening hours.
Yukon Coveralls by Carhartt: For extreme cold, nothing beats this rugged, full-body workwear. On the outside, durable 1000-denier Cordura water-repellent nylon protects against the elements. On the inside, arctic-weight quilted nylon polyester traps in body heat, so your crew can stay comfortable and productive in the harshest settings.
Things to Consider
While insulated winter clothing can go a long way toward keeping your crew comfortable and safe, it's not a cure-all. To help protect your crew from cold weather incidents, it's important to adhere to the following guidelines:
- Do not allow your workers to remove their winter coats and gloves, even if they feel they are warm enough.
- Learn the telltale symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite, and seek immediate help if you suspect a problem.
- Enclose your workspace when possible, using heated tents or by placing plastic over windows and doorways
- Provide a heated break area, such as a trailer, vacant apartment or tent equipped with an artificial heating unit.
- Don't let your crew work in sleet or rain during the winter, since this can drastically increase the risk of hypothermia.
In addition to these important guidelines, it's also a good idea to make sure your team drinks plenty of water during the winter, since dehydration can compromise the body's ability to regulate internal temperatures.