Everything you need to know about cold protection
October 23, 2023
By Ben Julian, Industrial Channel Manager at PIP (Protective Industrial Products, Inc.)
By Ben Julian, Industrial Channel Manager at PIP (Protective Industrial Products, Inc.)
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Oftentimes when people think of dangerous cold weather, they think of extremes, such as adventurers risking hypothermia in the snowy heights of Mt. Everest or Arctic explorers battling frostbite with layers of dense clothing–the kinds of things you would see in a National Geographic program.
In truth, the cold can be more subtle and sneaky. Of course, the risk of frostbite, trench foot, and hypothermia increases with prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures, wind, and moisture. However, these issues can also develop slowly over the course of a day, with or without water or wind, and sometimes in above-freezing temperatures. While most employees will not contend with Arctic extremes, we can safely assume they will encounter cold-related risks and a degree of cold stress. Cold stress occurs when the body temporarily loses the ability to properly warm itself and begins doing everything it can to focus extra resources on maintaining a core temperature of at least 95 degrees Fahrenheit. People experiencing cold stress lose productivity and efficiency, and worst of all, the attention to detail that is necessary to perform a job alertly and safely. This is where PPE enters the equation. 
Dress for successOutdoor workers in any industry, be it construction, agriculture, transportation, food and cold storage, or shipping, should equip themselves properly to avoid cold-related occupational hazards. Gloves are crucial. In many ways, hands are our most sophisticated work tools, so protecting them is essential if we want to get anything done. Ideally, look for insulated and water-resistant gloves that prevent moisture from exacerbating cold stress, frostbite, nerve damage, or decline in mechanical coordination.
Insulated workwear is another essential piece of PPE that can do a lot of the heavy lifting in terms of cold protection. Think about an insulated jacket. It surrounds the body’s core and many vital organs that keep your body functioning properly on a daily basis. Water-resistant insulated jackets and other workwear lend additional protection from moisture, which when mixed with cold temperatures and wind, can negate the warming insulative property of the garment. Look for garments that provide the best combination of insulation and mobility for protection and productivity. Finally, a hard hat liner or some other type of winter hat is a must. The head releases body heat at a rapid rate compared to other body parts, so keeping it covered helps the body work efficiently in maintaining an adequate core temperature. Warming up to the futurePPE must evolve to meet the needs of changing and hard-working industries.
A heated vest with front and back heating panels provides excellent mobility and warmth without the added bulk of conventional insulated workwear. As a base layer, the vest can be worn over a T-shirt and under a jacket or sweatshirt. Featuring three different heat settings, an external control fob and a rechargeable battery lasting up to five hours, this vest performs well in a range of environments on and off the job. Final takeawayWorking in the cold isn’t always a walk in the park, but it doesn’t have to be a dangerous tundra trek either. Don’t leave yourself or your team out in the cold. Stay informed and acquire the right PPE to remain comfortable, efficient, and protected in the cold.
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