By Leigh Stadelmeier
Construction deadlines don’t move just because the temperature has taken a nosedive. Following are five tips for cold-weather workwear to help builders work comfortably through the winter.
Weatherproof, High-Visibility Outerwear
Look for insulated work jackets made with windproof and waterproof fabrics, such as coated polyester or polyester with an inner windproof and waterproof membrane. More advanced lining materials, such as graphene, use nano-thin fibers to create a highly durable reflective surface that absorbs body heat and reflects it back to the wearer for even greater warmth and comfort in cold weather.
The best-insulated workwear manufacturers label outerwear products with the density of insulation used in each garment, usually expressed as “g” or “gsm” to represent grams per square meter. Garments constructed with high-gsm insulation will be warmer than garments with lower-gsm insulation. Some manufacturers also conduct thermal testing on their products to determine the range of temperatures a garment can protect against. Look for these temperature ratings in the description or labeling on the garment.
Breathable Base and Mid-Layers
After selecting outerwear for protection against wind and wet weather, the next step is to insulate against the cold with mid-layers and base layers that wick away sweat and lock in warmth without adding so much bulk that it becomes difficult to squat, bend, reach, or climb.
Choose a moisture-wicking base layer. Avoid wearing cotton long johns or base layers because cotton fabrics absorb sweat and hold it close to the skin, where it lowers body temperature.
Activity level is essential for determining how thick and insulating base layers should be. Stationary activities in extreme cold, such as operating machinery, require heavier-weight base layers. More intense activities, such as climbing scaffolds or running shingles, may feel more comfortable with base layers made from lighter-weight fabrics.
Mid-layers, such as thermal hoodies and vests, add extra insulation between the base layer and the outer layer. Retaining warmth in the core is essential to overall body warmth: The warmer the core, the more efficiently blood can be pumped to the extremities to avoid frostbite and maintain dexterity and coordination. Mid-layers also offer a source of flexibility on the job: When work heats up, it’s easy to remove the mid-layer to avoid breaking a sweat. When the body cools, put the mid-layer back on.
Insulated, Impact-Resistant Work Gloves
In the same way manufacturers use thermal testing to determine the temperature range a garment can protect against, insulated work gloves can also be rated for use in specific temperatures. Check for these temperature ratings in the description or labeling on the glove.
Next, consider how much dexterity the work requires. For a high level of dexterity, look for an insulated glove with individual side gussets sewn between each finger for maximum flexibility. A thermal glove with a silicone palm coating or grip pattern can also help hold onto small parts and tools. If a job calls for less dexterity, such as handling lumber, a traditional insulated leather mitt or three-finger mitt will feel warmer.
Choosing an insulated work glove with a pre-curved, ergonomic fit and flexible materials across the knuckles reduces hand fatigue by preventing grip strength from being wasted on forcing the glove to bend.
Construction work sometimes also requires protection from impact injury. In those cases, look for abrasion-resistant materials, such as leather and heavy-duty polyester, that protect the hands from scrapes and brushes with rough surfaces. Impact protection pads across the back of the hands and knuckles also guard against accidental impacts.
Non-Slip Safety Boots
Box store work boots may be economically priced, but they often come with soles that crack or crumble after repeated cycles of freezing and warming. Look for heavy-duty, non-slip outsoles that offer traction on slick or snow-covered surfaces, as well as durability against cracking that could let cold or moisture seep into the boot.
Next, choose work boots that offer several layers of moisture-wicking, shock-absorbing padding in the insole. These layers can be filled with air or gel materials to cushion the foot and reduce foot fatigue. The insole layer closest to the foot should also include moisture-wicking materials that channel sweat away from the foot. This moisture-wicking layer protects against trench foot, a dangerous condition in which prolonged exposure to cool, damp conditions reduces blood flow in the feet.
Steel toe boots are common, but steel conducts cold from the ground to the feet quickly, increasing the risk of frostbite in the toes. In the colder months, builders can switch to composite safety toe boots that don’t conduct cold.
Then, consider the boot’s insulation. If the job site is cold but not subzero, consider hiker style boots with safety toes, non-slip soles, and ankle support. Some also feature lace-free designs with dials that can be adjusted while wearing gloves.
For job sites with freezing or subzero temperatures, look for pac boots. Pac boots have a thick layer of insulation in the upper and an extra rubberized layer of waterproof coating around the outsole and over the top of the foot. Some pac boots even include an insulated liner that can be removed when temperatures climb so the boots can be worn through a wider temperature range.
Finally, make sure the boot is waterproof. Look for boots with outsoles that are glued or bonded to the upper, rather than welted or sewn. The former have fewer points that could allow cold or water to seep in.
Headwear for Hard Hats
Most construction workers are required to wear a hard hat, which guards against injuries but offers little protection from the cold. Look for thermal beanies or skull caps that fit snugly under a hard hat. Those caps may also have fold-down cuffs to cover areas of the ears that are particularly at risk of frostbite.
Working through the winter can be challenging, but with the right gear, builders and their crews can keep warm and keep working, no matter the weather.
Leigh Stadelmeier is an Authorized OSHA Outreach Trainer and Vice President of B2B Outdoor Sales for RefrigiWear (pro.refrigiwear.com), the leading manufacturer of insulated workwear, safety apparel, and personal protective equipment (PPE) for extremely cold work environments. RB
