Winterizing Employees Who Work Outdoors

Winterizing Employees Who Work Outdoors

Introducing cold winter tips for the employees at your workplace can help boost morale and help them deal with the unpleasantries when it comes to working outside. Getting them into a safety mindset will not only keep them healthy but help your bottom line.

Since every person tolerates and perceives cold weather differently, preparing them for any harsh conditions will take more than a fancy reminder on the employee bulletin board. As cold weather approaches, creating a culture of safety for the colder season can take some extra motivation.

Layering with a men's thermal set will help fight the bitter cold of the outdoors with its heat retention and moisture-wicking properties, but it takes a few extra things to completely stay in ultimate warmth and comfort. A proper mindset, along with adequate nutrition and stamina can help avoid frostbite and other cold-weather related injuries. Thermal wear for men will help you prepare your employees physically for the deep chill, and preparing mentally will help them recognize the warning signs and effects of the cold and their limitations.

Your employees will adjust to any external stimuli differently. These differences can vary with the region as a person living in Alaska for a few years will adapt faster than someone who moved there from Florida a week ago. Extreme cold affects everyone differently. Encourage your employees to use the buddy system and to recognize the importance of symptoms of cold-related injuries. Some of these are: confusion, slurred speech, and shivering. 

Teaching your employees to layer correctly for weather will help all of them, especially since age, current health issues, and body type can influence a person’s ability to deal with the cold.  Wearing too much clothing or the wrong type will make them sweat. A men's thermal set will wick away moisture and keep your fellow employees and coworkers dry. Regular clothes will cause sweat to stick and speeds up cooling dangerously fast, which can lead to hypothermia. Merino wool or polyester thermal wear for men along with proper middle and outer layers will keep the body heat in, and the breathable fabric will release the moisture and keep them dry. 

Layers can be removed and added as needed to remain comfortable and also applies to all types of clothing. This can include socks to keep the feet warm and gloves for your hands. If your job can’t be done with mittens, a set of gloves and additional hand warmers will help ease the chill. 

While everyone is different, spending too much time outdoors can wear on anyone. Help your employees prevent frostbite or threats of hypothermia with warm drinks, extra blankets, and by following OSHA guidelines. Also, providing the right tools for the job will decrease the amount of time they have to spend outdoors. Preparing your employees both mentally and physically for the weather can boost morale and help them stay safe and warm.

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