Cold Weather Clothing
Date Posted: 09/22/2016
Construction workers can be exposed to extreme weather during the winter months. Cold weather can negatively affect a person’s senses; seeing, smelling, feeling. Productivity is difficult when a worker is cold. Therefore, it is important to choose clothing appropriate for the cold weather conditions.
Always dress in layers with the outer layers loose and the inner layers tighter. This will trap body heat.
Do not over bundle.
Use the outer layer of clothing as a windbreaker. This will make the layers underneath more effective.
Minimize sweat. If the worker gets hot, remove a layer of clothing.
Avoid getting your clothing wet. Once wet, the clothing will not serve as a good protection from the cold.
Wear head protection. This will increase your overall warmth. Over half of the body’s heat loss comes from the head.
Be sure to properly protect your feet. Unless you are moving around, your feet will feel the effects of the cold first. Wool socks help, but 4-buckle overshoes can provide better protection.
Gloves are very important. Most often a thin pair of wool gloves under a pair of leather gloves will provide the best protection.
Presenter tips
Pre-read the Toolbox Talk. Your comfort level and confidence will be higher if you know your topic.
Discuss related tasks, work areas or events that make the Toolbox Talk relevant to your job site.
Involve the workers by asking questions and input that drives discussion.
Questions for Discussion
What should you do if you begin to sweat in cold weather?
What body part loses the majority of the body’s heat?
