7 Tips for Staying Warm on Winter Construction Sites
Successful construction companies keep working even when the mercury drops, but unforgiving weather conditions subject workers to accidents and injuries while increasing the risk of employer liability. According to The U.S. Department of Labor, tens of thousands of cold-weather workplace injuries and illnesses occur yearly. While many of these injuries include hypothermia, others stem from slips and falls.
Here's how you can keep your crew safe, productive, and warm on a construction site.
- State your expectations. On many job sites, it's not enough to suggest workers protect themselves from the elements. To eliminate liability concerns and worker's comp expenses, it's a good idea to state clear rules relating to cold-weather safety, including instructions for removing ice and snow and guidelines for appropriate winter workwear. Many businesses provide branded work coats, jackets, work pants, and other winter clothes, which insulate employees against the elements while projecting a professional corporate image.
- Layer up to Stay Warm. A typical example of layering clothing is to begin with a base layer, such as thermal underwear or a thermal crewneck, followed by an insulating middle layer, such as a fleece jacket, with a heavy outer layer. Ideally, the outer layer is both water and wind-resistant.
- Use artificial heat. If you have a power source, install an artificial heating unit. If this isn't practical on a given worksite, think about setting up a heated tent, trailer, or rental unit where your crew can warm up during their lunch hours and breaks.
- Stay dry. Your crew might be tough enough to work in the coldest conditions, but they can't work if they can't stay dry. Watch the weather forecast closely, call it a day if rain or sleet is on the way, and provide waterproof work jackets for wet conditions. Encourage employees to wear base layers with moisture-wicking properties to prevent moisture from accumulating on the skin and cooling the body.
- Recognize the signs of hypothermia. When the body is unable to maintain its core temperature, hypothermia quickly develops. Common symptoms include shallow breathing, shivering, confusion, slurred speech, drowsiness, and a weak pulse. If someone exhibits these symptoms, move them to a warm, dry area. Remove any wet clothing and use blankets or heating pads to keep their internal temperatures up. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.
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Protect the extremities. It’s not enough to provide heavy-duty men’s work jackets: you need to protect your employees’ heads, hands, and feet. Warm work boots, thick socks, and gloves help keep employees warm while reducing the risk of accidents caused by numb fingers or feet. Keep workers’ heads warm and reduce the risk of frostbite with branded balaclavas, beanies, and snap-on hoods.
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Stay Warm with Hot Beverages. A hot coffee or a mug of soup on a cold day helps warm employees up on breaks. Customize some insulated coffee mugs or thermoses with your brand and give them as gifts to your workers to thank them for working in frigid conditions.
Winter Workwear for Construction Sites
If you’re providing your crew with winter workwear, it only makes sense to customize their work jackets and pants with your brand. Design a warm, comfortable, and customized winter work uniform with these suggestions.
Men’s Winter Jackets
- Carharrt’s Washed Duck Active Jac updates the company’s classic J130 jacket. A 12 0z., firm hand, 100% ring spun cotton duck canvas covering a nylon lining quilted to 80 gram 3M™ Thinsulate™ provides plenty of warmth, while elbow elbow pleats offer ease of movement — an important consideration when wearing bulky winter workwear.
- Tough Duck’s Duck Safety Parka keeps your workforce visible and warm with 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material with 4″ contrast backing and a quick-release hard hat hood.
- Caterpillar’s Heavy Insulated Parka is a tough and durable work jacket for cold climates. Another of our best men’s winter jackets, the parka is water-resistant, wind resistant, and breathable.
Women's Winter Work Jackets
- Carharrt’s Women’s Gilliam Jacket is exactly what you’d expect from a company known for its rugged winter jackets. Water repellant and wind resistant, the 1.75-ounce, 100% nylon Cordura® shell of this Gilliam Jacket keeps the women on your team warm and comfortable.
- Tough Duck’s Women’s Sherpa Lined Jacket combines a strong outer layer of 100% cotton-washed 10 oz. premium sanded duck with 100% polyester Sherpa body lining for a terrific winter work jacket.
- Caterpillar’s Women's Triton Insulated Jacket features adjustable cuffs with tab closures, hidden storm cuffs, and microfleece-lined hand warmer pockets. Water and wind-resistant, this heavy work jacket includes a removable hood.
Winter Work Pants for Men
- Washed Duck Work Dungarees by Carhartt are ideal work pants for men who spend long days on the job site, and offer a generous fit for easy movement.
- Insulated Safety Pull-on-Pants by Tough Duck combine the insulating warmth of snow pants with the safety of high visibility. An ankle to mid-calf snap closure allows these work pants for men to fit securely over winter boots.
- Deluxe Insulated Bib Overalls by Berne Apparel offer medium-weight insulation quilted to 100% polyester taffeta with a water-repellent finish and an insulated high back design for extra warmth.
Gloves and Winter Face Protection
Don’t neglect your employees' hands and feet when you put together your winter work uniform. Consider the following options:
Check out the Triple Crown Products catalog for more of the best men’s winter jackets, or contact us for help matching your logo to the right work jackets for your team.