Winter safety clothes protect carpenters from hazardous conditions that can cause serious injury. Wearing these in extreme temperatures will protect carpenters from the usual hazards of the job due to the superior insulation and resistance to cold temperatures. With these items, you can stay safe and productive when the weather turns cold.
Warm Work Gloves
The hands can lose heat quickly due to the large surface area to volume ratio of fingers, which means they generate and maintain heat inefficiently. You need to keep them warm, since their physical dexterity can start declining as soon as they get cold, affecting whatever you’re doing.
Warm and insulated gloves in cold weather are a necessity to protect against frostbite and to allow carpenters to carry out their tasks comfortably. You should wear gloves made of thicker or woven materials to keep your hands warm. The winter gloves should also have moisture-wicking properties to keep your hands warm and dry while allowing you to move your hands freely.
Thick Insulating Socks
Winter weather calls for two pairs of thick insulating socks. Your socks should primarily be made of wool, as it provides the best insulation. A small amount of synthetic materials, such as nylon or polyester, helps them last longer; some stretchy material, such as elastane, ensures that they don’t slip off. Start with a thin inner pair, and then add a thicker wool outer pair within insulated footwear, along with an additional thermal insole if needed.
Waterproof Work Boots
Standing in slush, ice, or snow for a few minutes can cause frostbite on extremities, such as the toes. Frostbite can cause gangrene, long-term numbness, or a permanent loss of feeling.
Make sure you wear high-quality waterproof work boots during harsh winter weather. During cold weather, boots are essential since they protect the ankles and minimize heat loss. Since much heat can be lost through the area of our body in contact with the freezing ground, thick insulated soles are just as necessary.
Protect Your Head, Neck & Face
Hard hats provide protection from all weather conditions except the cold. Choose cold weather liners made for hard hats. These can cover just the head or can drape down over the neck. Choose the one that makes the most sense with your coat.
For your face, a flannel or knit balaclava or gaiter will help protect your face and still offer breathability. There are many options available, including ones with moldable nose clips and/or and adjustable fit. Some hard hat liners come with a built-in flap to cover the face. The best face covering is one that you comfortably wear.
Polarized Safety Glasses
Winter jobs may cause short-term and long-term eye damage due to numerous factors. A combination of UV rays, wind chill, and construction debris may cause snow blindness. Carpenters and any other outdoor workers must wear polarized safety glasses with foam sealing and anti-fog protection to protect their eyes.
If you’re working in harsh winter conditions and you need the best anti-fog performance possible, consider safety glasses with built-in vent fans. They use an electric fan that circulates cool, dry air through the goggles to keep condensation from forming on the lenses.
Insulated Coveralls
Insulated coveralls are usually made from cotton duck cloth with a quilted liner and can endure frigid temperatures. Zipped legs make it easier to put them on over boots. Additionally, zippers that run from ankle to waist make putting on and taking off the coveralls much easier.
Thermal Base Layers
When you’re going to be active, it is crucial to wear thermal base layers that wick sweat away from your outer layers. They should fit properly for optimal performance. When wearing thick long underwear, it is best to layer them on top of thick year-round clothing rather than to use them as a primary insulation layer. Synthetics or merino wool are better because they help to keep moisture away from the skin and provide superior insulation.
Emergency Kit
If you or a coworker experiences symptoms of cold shock, such as hypothermia or frostbite, you should have an emergency kit on hand. An emergency kit for winter weather should include a first-aid kit and water.
In case you become stranded between job sites, keep an emergency supply kit in the car. Besides food and water, your car’s emergency kit can contain an insulated sleeping bag, flares, jumper cables, a flashlight with extra batteries, and tow chains.
Winter Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility
It is never too early to start preparing to stay warm and safe by having the right winter clothes and equipment. If you work with co-workers, you can use your emergency kit to assist anyone who is at risk or suffering from the cold. You can work efficiently throughout the winter as long as you take the necessary precautions to keep your hands and the rest of your body warm and dry.