Cold-weather PPE: How to Prepare Workers for Lower Temperatures?

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) refers to any equipment or clothing designed to protect workers from health issues or injuries at worksites.

In cold weather, PPE is even more important for workers' safety, due to the unique challenges that lower temperatures pose.

This discussion will guide you through the vital aspects of PPE and best practices in cold weather. We invite you to read further and learn the effects of cold weather on worksites and the essential measures to prepare your team.

What is PPE and Why is it Crucial in Cold Weather? 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the first line of defense against workplace hazards, particularly in industries where physical labor and environmental exposure are common.

PPE refers to the specialized clothing and equipment worn by employees for protection against health and safety hazards. It safeguards against frostbite, hypothermia, and other cold-related risks, ensuring employees remain protected and capable of performing their duties effectively. 

Additionally, proper PPE usage enhances visibility in low-light conditions, mitigating accidents and maintaining productivity. It's not just about comfort; it's a necessity for sustaining worker health and productivity in challenging cold environments.

Now let's examine the potential hazards linked to cold weather on worksites, specifically for workers. Understanding these risks helps us proactively address and mitigate them, ensuring the health and safety of everyone on site. 

Cold weather implications at worksites 

The impact of cold weather extends beyond physical equipment to the well-being of the workforce. A report from the National Center for Health Statistics highlighted the increased risks associated with winter cold temperatures in the US compared to summertime.  

Every year, around 2,000 people die from weather-related causes. Delving deeper, 63% of these fatalities result from exposure to cold or hypothermia, while a comparatively lower 31% are attributed to heat-related issues.

   Source: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

It's a stark reminder that the impact of winter weather goes beyond the chilly temperatures.

In the context of traffic security, lower temperatures introduce a practical challenge—cold stress at worksites.

Cold stress occurs when the body struggles to maintain its normal temperature in colder environments, impacting physical and cognitive capabilities.

According to the department of Environmental Health and Safety at the University of Iowa, cold stress isn't only a result of sub-zero temperatures. Without proper clothing, the combination of wind and rain can lead to cold stress even in milder conditions, such as the 50s.

Primary Forms of Cold Stress

• Immersion/Trench Foot 

This condition occurs when feet are exposed to wet and cold environments for extended periods. The symptoms involve skin reddening, a tingling sensation, pain, swelling, muscle cramps in the legs, numbness, and the formation of blisters.

• Frostbite

This occurs when skin and tissue freeze, leading to potentially irreversible damage and, in extreme cases, amputation. Commonly affecting body parts like the face, ears, fingers, and toes, frostbite symptoms include skin turning red, then gray or white in patches, feelings of tingling and aching, numbness, skin that feels hard or firm, and the possibility of blisters in affected areas.

• Hypothermia

Hypothermia sets in when the body's temperature, normally around 98.6°F, falls below 95°F. While more likely in frigid conditions, it can also happen in milder temperatures above 40°F if a person is wet from rain, sweat, or submerged in cold water. Symptoms vary based on severity - mild hypothermia presents as alertness paired with shivering, whereas moderate to severe hypothermia includes cessation of shivering, confusion, slurred speech, a slow heart rate and breathing, loss of consciousness, and, in severe cases, death. 

Recognizing the signs of cold stress is essential for addressing the risks associated with exposure to low temperatures. 

In this sense, the emphasis on appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for cold weather isn't merely a matter of comfort but is vital for maintaining operational effectiveness and safeguarding the well-being of the workforce. 

Preparing for Cold Weather with PPE 

To minimize the risk of injuries and illnesses, workers need to be safeguarded against cold exposure to maintain their core body temperature above 96.8 degrees Fahrenheit. When exposure to cold environments or low temperatures are unavoidable, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends the following attire and equipment to protect workers from cold stress:

• Body: Wear a minimum of three layers of loose-fitting clothing. This layered approach enhances insulation effectively.

• Head: A hat is essential for covering the ears and retaining warmth. For enhanced protection, combining a hat with a headband or earmuffs is more effective, as hats may not always cover the ears completely during movement. 

• Face: A knit mask should be used to cover the face and mouth when required. 

• Eyes: Opt for polarized, wrap-around safety glasses featuring an anti-fog coating to shield your eyes from heat loss, harsh winds, dry conditions, and precipitation, as well as to provide protection from damaging UV rays and sunlight reflection. Additionally, other forms of protective eyewear like safety goggles and face shields offer enhanced eye and face protection.

Check out 95TSS's face and head protection section to see some examples.

• Feet: To protect the feet, wearing one or two pairs of thick socks is recommended. Carrying additional socks is beneficial as they can become wet during the day. The outer layer of socks should be bigger than the inner layer to avoid tightness. Proper footwear is also critical in cold weather, especially waterproof boots for tasks involving water exposure. Leather boots can be waterproofed with specific products that keep the material breathable. The most suitable footwear are leather boots with removable felt insoles for added insulation.

• Hands: Gloves are a necessity for outdoor work in cold weather, serving not only to protect the hands from work-related injuries but also from cold-induced conditions like frostbite.

Get your team ready for lower temperatures with a visit to the 95TSS safety gloves page, where you'll find a variety of options perfect for your workers.

Moreover, cold weather PPE extends beyond just thermal protection. It includes gear designed to increase visibility in foggy or snowy conditions, protect against slips and falls on icy surfaces, and safeguard against the risk of electric shock – a hazard that increases with the use of electrical heating devices. Items such as anti-slip footwear, high-visibility jackets, and insulated electrical gloves become indispensable.

Instructions for Cold Weather Safety  

Having looked at how cold weather affects worksites and the importance of PPE in protecting against cold stress, let's dive into some key guidelines. 

These instructions will help keep your worksite safe and secure when the temperatures drop. 

• Train Workers

Educate workers about the dangers of cold stress. This includes co-workers identifying symptoms, understanding the importance of monitoring themselves and coworkers, and knowing the correct first aid response. Workers should also be trained in selecting suitable clothing for cold, wet, and windy conditions, and recognizing other winter hazards like icy surfaces and downed power lines.

• Provide Engineering Controls

Implementing engineering solutions can significantly reduce cold stress risks. This can involve using radiant heaters in outdoor workstations, or shielding work areas from wind to lower wind chill effects. In cases where work involves potential hazards like icy roofs, providing appropriate equipment such as aerial lifts or ladders for safe de-icing is essential.

• Implement Safe Work Practices

Make sure workers have proper tools and equipment, developing hazard-aware work plans, and scheduling outdoor work for warmer periods of the day. Limiting time spent in extremely cold temperatures and using relief workers for long, demanding tasks can also be beneficial.

• Reinforce Safety Tips for Workers

Remind workers to wear appropriate winter workwear. This includes dressing in layers for insulation, wearing water-resistant outer layers, and using insulated gloves and waterproof boots. Workers should stay dry, drink warm fluids, and be aware of cold stress symptoms.

• Provide Correct Winter Workwear

Access to the right winter workwear, including thermal layers, water-resistant outerwear, and protective accessories such as hats and gloves, is essential for workers' safety and comfort in cold conditions.

Next Steps

In conclusion, navigating the challenges of cold weather at worksites requires a multifaceted approach.  

From understanding the risks of cold stress to equipping workers with the right PPE, every step is crucial in maintaining a safe and productive environment. 

By implementing the instructions we've discussed and reinforcing essential safety tips, you're setting the stage for not only compliance but also for the well-being of your team. 

Remember, a well-prepared worksite is the key to seamless operations, no matter how low the mercury drops. So, in case you want to explore more about PPE for cold weather, check the 95TSS workwear webpage  and let us know if you have any doubts.

Stay warm, stay safe, and keep up the great work this winter season!