Winter Work Clothes and Preventing Safety Risks

Each winter the dreaded, yet inevitable weather predictions roll in, forecasting dangerous snow and ice from the West to the Northeast and everywhere in between. If left unmanaged, this can potentially expose workers to harsh weather conditions which can then lead to extensive and permanent damage. Whether you are actively building, maintaining snow removal, or any other on-site task, here are the major weather-related safety concerns to be aware of and how you can utilize winter work clothes to help prevent them. 

Cold Stress

Low temperatures and powerful winds can do more than just irritate the skin. These conditions can cause the body’s internal temperatures to fall, which can result in permanent damage and even death.

Trench Foot ( As Known as Immersion) 

Trench foot is a painful condition that occurs to the feet after long periods of immersion in cold water or mud. Tingling or an inch sensation paired with pain, swelling, numbness, or a heavy feeling in the foot are all indicators of trench foot. The condition often leads to the blackening and death of the surface tissue. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, trench foot can be prevented by:

• Thoroughly cleaning and drying your feet.
• Putting on clean and dry, moisture-resistant socks each day.
• Taking socks off and drying your feet before sleeping or resting
• Obtaining medical assistance as soon as possible following the appearance of symptoms

When on-site, Gilbane recommends that you wear proper winter work clothes. Consider weather or moisture-resistant construction boots and to take the time to switch into dry socks as needed.

Frostbite 

Frostbite is a type of injury that can be caused by freezing and often leads to a loss of feeling and color in the affected areas. Frostbite commonly occurs on the extremities: the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes. If left untreated, frostbite can permanently damage your skin tissue and has been known to lead to amputation of the affected areas.

According to the National Weather Service , frostbite can occur within five minutes of exposure to temperatures between 0 degrees and -19 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important to know that protective  clothing is the most effective way to avoid frostbite and that the type of fabric used makes a huge difference in how well you are protected. For example, cotton loses its insulation value after becoming saturated, whereas wool, silk and most synthetics retain their insulation even when wet.

Gilbane Building Company recommends the following winter construction gear for working in lower temperatures:

• Wear at least three layers of clothing
• A base layer that consists of wool, silk or another synthetic material that will  to wick moisture away from the body.
• A middle layer of wool or synthetic material that will to provide insulation even when wet.
• An outer layer that will protect you from the elements.
• Wear headgear such as a hat, or hood or balaclava. Note that U up to 40% of body heat can be lost when the head is left exposed.
• Wear moisture resistant and insulated construction boots.
• Keep a change of dry clothing available in case work clothes become wet.
• Consider wearing a construction bib for an added layer of protection.
• With the exception of the wicking layer, do not wear tight clothing. Loose clothing allows better ventilation of heat away from the body.
• Stay hydrated.

If a person begins to shows signs of frostbite, for example bluish lips and fingernails, skin that feels firm or waxy, white or greyish-yellow patches of skin, call 911 Emergency Services and administer first aid accordingly.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a condition in which a person’s body temperature lowers significantly, and is a direct result of inadequate protection against exposure to cold temperatures. The signs of hypothermia can include uncontrolled shivering, poor coordination, pale skin and compromised breathing, extreme drowsiness, and even confusion. It’s important that both employees and managers know what to look for and be confident enough to make suggestions when they see somebody who may be at risk, or is already succumbing to the cold.

In order to prevent hypothermia Gilbane recommends the following:

• Wear warm, multi-layered, weather-resistant clothing with proper hand and feet protection.
• Wear warm headgear such as a hat, hood, or balaclava under your hard hat.
• As soon as possible, change into warm, dry clothing if an article of clothing becomes wet.

If someone is showing signs of hypothermia, it’s important to contact emergency services immediately. Bring the person indoors or to a dry place that is safe from the wind and remove any wet clothing. Cover them with dry blankets, making sure to cover their head, hands and feet. Do not place them next to a heater, or provide warm liquids as this can put their body into a further state of shock. Wait for medical professionals to arrive.

Icy Falls

The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports that there were over 211,000 occupational slip and fall accidents in the year 2020 alone. Once ice and snow are added to the mix, the risk of hazard increases exponentially. Gilbane Building Company works closely with OSHA guidelines  and recommends the following measures to mitigate slip and fall accidents on site:

• Train personnel to scan the work area for icy or snow covered surfaces and to take short, slow steps whenever possible.
• Require that all workers  wear moisture-resistant and insulated construction boots that have thick rubber treads
• Utilize safety lines for any and all work that is completed at a height that is above the ground
• Provide required fall protection and training for any and all work completed at a height that is above the ground.

If a person on-site does have a slip and fall accident, it’s important to seek medical treatment, report the accident, and to document everything so that steps can be taken to avoid this type of accident in the future.

For more information about safety precautions in the workplace, check out this link. 

This blog was updated November 2021.