Going to work every day is a grind on its own—now, add in freezing temperatures. Now it’s unbearable and miserable. Working in cold weather and extremely low temperatures brings its own challenges with it. It’s dangerous if you don’t take precautions and prepare to be in the elements all day. If you’re one of the hearty souls that works outdoors in the dead of winter, learn how to work safely in cold weather.
Wear Layers
Wearing a heavy-duty work coat is a good idea, but it’s not enough to protect you from the lowest lows. Layer your clothing from head to toe. Start with two pairs of socks and some long johns. Layer the torso the most, because keeping your heart warm will keep the blood going to your extremities. Three to four layers of shirts and sweatshirts under a heavy coat will do nicely.
Protect Your Head
Wear a knit cap or a full-face mask when working in extreme cold. When it comes to protection, you can’t forget the ears, nose, and cheeks. Most of the body heat is lost through the top of the head, so bottle it up with a hat.
Break Frequently
Working in the cold saps the body’s energy faster. If you can, plan out breaks throughout the day to recover your strength. Even if you work around something that emits heat, such as asphalt, that radiant heat won’t be enough to keep you warm. Take your breaks somewhere that is warmer than the conditions you’re working in. Let your body recover and warm up before heading back out.
Know the Signs
Educate yourself on the signs of cold-related illnesses, such as hypothermia and frostbite. These are both serious medical conditions that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Symptoms of hypothermia start small but quickly escalate once the body temperature drops. Frostbite occurs after exposure for long amounts of time and can even necessitate the amputation of fingers, toes, and limbs.
Get Enough Nutrition
When working in the cold, it’s important to eat. The body needs fats and carbohydrates to stay warm, so give it plenty. Dehydration happens faster in the cold as well, so drink plenty of water and warm liquids during the day.
Stay Dry
Damp clothing will accelerate the body’s temperature dropping. It may be cold outside, but the body is still exerting itself, so it will warm up under all those layers. When you start sweating under your clothes, take the damp layer off to help maintain a constant body temperature.
