For people like mechanics and builders who spend a lot of time working outdoors, winter isn’t always a welcome prospect. When the temperatures start to drop, it’s extremely important to be proactive about staying safe. With the right measures, you should be able to continue working as efficiently as before.
Dressing for the elements
You’ll need to choose the clothes you wear for your job carefully to make sure they keep you warm and dry and easily combat cold stress. Staying dry is important because moisture can take the heat out of your skin, further cooling you down.
One of the best materials for cold weather is wool. This fabric traps warmth efficiently and has moisture-wicking properties.
Layer it with other materials for the best outcome. Clothing made of polyester or fleece can work well alongside wool. Cotton should be avoided, as it loses heat when it becomes wet, making you colder.
And don’t forget to invest in a high-quality raincoat, too. Look for labels that say “waterproof” and not just “water resistant”. These are the ones that offer superior rain protection.
In your car or van, always carry a spare outfit and a blanket, just in case.
Health and safety measures
Employers must do everything they can to prevent employees from getting frostbite, hypothermia or any other cold-related safety threat. They must also keep a special eye on those with respiratory conditions like asthma, as they may have a higher risk.
It’s the employer’s responsibility to do a thorough risk assessment of the personal and environmental factors. Personal factors include the type of clothing worn and how long the worker is exposed to the cold each day. Environmental factors include the ambient temperature, the level of sunlight and wind velocity.
They must use these to put appropriate measures in place to protect you. This might include training you in symptoms of overexposure to the cold and teaching you how to dress for warmth. They could ensure that you work in pairs or teams and provide somewhere to store your clothes that will keep them dry.
When working indoors, the temperature should be no less than 16°C, or 13°C if the nature of the work is quite energetic.
Tools and equipment
Cold weather can impact your tools and equipment as well, having a knock-on effect for whoever has to use them.
Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for every piece of equipment in the workplace. Always store them at the recommended temperature.
Any vehicles that are part of business operations should be started regularly to keep them running and prevent a build-up of ice. Give them a short run out every now and again instead of completely locking them away for winter.
If you’re in the auto industry, consider getting covered by a motor trade premises insurance. This can give you an extra layer of cover if something goes wrong with your vehicles or tools in those colder months.
Precautions and strategies
In addition to dressing warmly, it helps to be aware of other strategies to protect yourself against brisk winter temperatures on the job.
Try to ensure you spend your break times somewhere warm and discuss this with your employer if it’s something they haven’t thought to provide.
Pay special attention to vulnerable parts of the body like the neck, head, feet, and hands, covering them at all times while outdoors.
Stay hydrated throughout the day, keeping any hot drinks in a thermal flask so that they will last longer.
Practice good sleep hygiene, as your body can usually regulate temperature better when you have plenty of energy.
We spend a large percentage of our lives at work, so it’s very important to be safe and comfortable while doing it!
