Warm on the Jobsite in Winter (2)

The forecast for Ohio is always changing. Dependable Construction sees it all the time. 7 degrees on Monday 41 degrees on Tuesday. On some days add in the wind chill factor, and some might say it’s it just too cold to work. Construction workers have to deal with this all the time.

With all this in mind Dependable Construction offers these seven tips to make sure you don’t fall prey to the cold winter:

1. Thermal insulated coveralls are very important and are at the top of our list. The coverall design largely eliminates core body heat loss while affording good range of motion. They’re a bit costly, but if your work is outdoors in winter, start measuring. They also help keep your pants dry.
2. Double layer thermal socks and insulated boots. Great idea if you’re going to be standing or walking on cold surfaces. Since steel toes are notorious for acting as a “cold sink” it’s always best to have them if your required to where steel toe. When possible ask for a composite toe, which is almost as strong. Also, try to stand on a mat, plywood or other insulating barrier if you’ll be out in the cold for long periods.
3. Scarves are very effective at protecting the neck and chest from heat loss, and they allow easy adjustment or removal for cooling as needed.
4. Glove selection should is very important. Fabric and texture need to be suited to the job, but try to find gloves that allow you to use a liner. Usually they need to be a little over-sized, but many improvements have been made over the years. Also, insulated mittens have been developed with various configurations for finger dexterity. Others even allow you to place a hand warmer inside them.
5. Wrap-around eye protection can also help preserve body heat. There is a lot of blood flow in and around the eyes, and wearing glasses can minimize heat loss. I addition, eyeballs are covered with a mucous membrane, and subject to being desiccated and irritated by cold, dry air and wind. Not to mention dirt particles.
6. Helmet liners under a hard hat are very effective at preserving neck and head heat, if your jobsite requires you to wear them. Fleece lined fabric is very comfortable and a good insulator. The hard hat breaks the wind and allows the liner to do its job; it’s a very effective assembly.
7. Use skin creme, moisturizer, barrier creams, etc. on any exposed skin. You are basically trying to ward off hypothermia and avoid frostbite on any exposed skin, so try to figure out how to cover as much as possible and not look too alien in the process. Ski masks can be useful, but they’re not designed for use with a hard hat.

The team at Dependable Construction hope these tips and and remind everyone to stay warm.