As the sun finally sets on a long summer season, most facility managers and maintenance professionals have been focused on the risks associated with working in the heat.

However, the risks of injury, disfigurement and even death are just as serious when working in the cold. Cold stress injuries like frostbite, hypothermia and trench foot can happen in above-freezing temperatures, especially with long exposure or added wind and moisture.

For facility managers to work more comfortably in the cold, it’s important to select winter workwear that is best suited to the temperature, their personal physiology and activity level, and the hazards of the job.

Level of Insulation for Cold Temperatures
Choosing weatherproof cold-weather workwear ensures that facility managers stay warm and dry in wintry conditions. That’s the first step in staying protected from cold stress and cold-related injuries like hypothermia.

Facility managers should look for thermal jackets and insulated outerwear made with wind- and waterproof fabrics, such as coated polyester or polyester with an inner weatherproof membrane. These materials form the outer layer of protection from the elements, while also adding durability against wear-and-tear on the job.

For maximum warmth and comfort, look for insulated workwear that specifies the density of its insulation, usually expressed as “g” or “gsm” to stand for 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 find the range of temperatures a garment can protect against. Look for these temperature ratings in the description or labeling on the garment.

It’s helpful to choose outerwear lined with durable fabrics like taffeta that won’t snag or get stuck on the thick sleeves of flannel work shirts or thermal sweatshirts typically worn by facility managers in cold weather. It’s also smart to look for advanced lining materials, such as graphene, which use nano-thin fibers to absorb escaping body heat and reflect it back to the wearer for even greater protection from the cold.

When it comes to choosing between coveralls or combining a jacket with a set of bib overalls for facility managers who need full-body protection, the demands of the job are the deciding factor.

If the environment is extremely cold, but a wide range of motion isn’t required, coveralls are likely the better choice. Insulated coveralls give facility managers head-to-toe protection without any gaps where cold winds or precipitation can sneak in.

If the job requires bending, squatting, or climbing, facility managers may find that an insulated jacket and bib overall combination provides greater mobility. Look for bib overalls with a high front and back for maximum body heat retention in the core, and pair them with an insulated work jacket designed with bi-swing or raglan sleeves, or even accordion-stretch panels at the shoulders for maximum range of motion.

Activity Level
Facility managers must understand their own personal physiology and activity level to select the best cold-weather gear.

Individuals who have special health concerns, such as diabetes or circulatory problems, will need more insulation to feel comfortable in the cold. Age, metabolism, body composition and hydration levels also affect the body’s reaction to working in cold conditions.

The level of work activity will also play a role in the choice of gear. If the facility manager is more active, such as walking the job site or engaging in a physically taxing task, less insulation is needed. If they’re facing wind chill while riding an open vehicle or standing still in the cold, more insulation is necessary.

Environment & Occupational Hazards
In outdoor environments, facility managers will need cold-weather workwear that can handle fluctuations in temperature and guard against rain, sleet, or snow. In an indoor environment, such as a refrigerated warehouse, facility managers won’t need protection from the weather as much as they’ll need reliable insulation from the consistently cold temperature.

In both outdoor and indoor environments, facility managers must consider the unique occupational hazards of their work.

For example, they may need high-visibility thermal workwear that meets specific ANSI standards for high-visibility fabrics or reflective materials when working in busy locations around moving vehicles or equipment. Choosing insulated workwear that meets these safety standards for visibility adds another layer of protection by making it easier for facility managers to be noticed in the work area, reducing the risk of accidental injury from passing vehicles and equipment.

Insulated Work Boots
To guard against slips, trips and falls in cold, wet or icy conditions, facility managers need specialized soles on their insulated work boots.

Work boots from regular retail stores typically aren’t sufficient for the needs of a busy facility manager because the soles crack from repeated cycles of freezing and warming, and the upper may not be fully waterproof. This leads to cold feet, less protection from moisture on the ground, and a greater risk of slip and fall injuries.

Facility managers should look for work boots with heavy-duty, non-slip outsoles that offer better traction on slick surfaces. Then, look for boots that have several layers of shock-absorbing and moisture-wicking padding in the insole. These materials reduce foot fatigue and channel sweat away from the foot, protecting against trench foot, a dangerous condition in which prolonged exposure to cold, damp conditions reduces blood flow and damages skin and muscle tissues in the feet.

To guard against moisture seeping in, look for boots with outsoles that are glued or bonded to the upper rather than welted or sewn. While leather boots are always a popular choice, they may need regular oiling or conditioning to support the moisture barrier. Waterproof boots made with nylon or Kevlar generally don’t require extra effort to maintain waterproofness.

To maintain warmth, look for the right level of insulation. The insulation in a work boot is usually described in the same way as an insulated garment, so look for high-gsm materials or temperature ratings to gauge the level of warmth a boot will provide.

Also, consider the safety requirements of the work site. Most facilities and job sites require a safety toe work boot. Whenever possible, choose a composite toe boot that meets ASTM standards. Composite materials don’t conduct cold to the feet like steel or aluminum toe caps do, so the feet and toes will stay warmer even with long exposure to cold without increasing the risk of frostbite.

Thermal Safety Gloves
Maintenance workers should consider impact-resistant thermal work gloves to guard against the cold and the risk of injury.

Gloves with articulated impact protection pads – meaning each section of the finger has its own pad, with a gap or flex-panel across the joint – also offer protection against accidental impacts without restricting movement and dexterity.

For maximum warmth, look for insulated work gloves with individual side gussets sewn between each finger. Gloves with this type of construction deliver insulation around each finger separately, allowing for greater dexterity and warmth.

It’s also helpful to look for thermal gloves with a pre-curved and ergonomic fit with flexible materials across the knuckle joints and a coating or grip pattern on the palm and fingers. Insulated work gloves with these added features make it easier to hold onto tools and reduce fatigue in the hands from repetitive motions.

Headwear That Works With a Hard Hat
If the helmet or hard hat provides an inner adjustable fit, then it’s easy to wear a thermal beanie or full-face mask to protect the vulnerable tissues of the ears, nose and face that are particularly prone to frostbite injuries.

If the safety headwear doesn’t accommodate an extra layer between the scalp and the headwear, facility managers should look for a hard hat balaclava designed with an extra opening for the brim of the helmet or hard hat. This design provides protection that fits over the safety headgear and covers the ears and lower part of the face.

Cold Weather Is Coming
Choosing the right cold-weather PPE now, before the season starts, helps ensure the best selection of insulated workwear. Having warm, durable, and comfortable winter gear on hand now will make it quick, easy, and convenient to stay protected from head to toe without sacrificing productivity when cold weather arrives.

Leigh Stadelmeier is an Authorized OSHA Outreach Trainer and Vice President of B2B Outdoor Sales for RefrigiWear, the leading manufacturer of industrial insulated workwear, safety apparel, and personal protective equipment (PPE) for extreme cold work environments. Having experienced a traumatic fall while serving in the Army, Stadelmeier devotes his career to sharing safety gear and training to prevent accidents on the job.

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