As we begin a new year, it’s a good time to decide if you have right workwear and PPE to deal with the risks that the winter weather in the UK imposes.
Employers are responsible for ensuring that they provide the correct risk assessments in the workplace and this includes thermal risk assessments. With no legal minimum outdoor working temperature, and the unpredictability of the UK weather, if the risks are not properly identified it can have a serious impact on the health and wellbeing of the workforce.
Hazards include slipping and tripping and more serious conditions such as frostbite and hypothermia. As well as affecting the workers health these conditions can also have an impact on their ability to carry out their job successfully.
Wearing 3 layers is an effective way to maintain warmth and comfort, whilst remaining dry during cold weather. The idea consists of a base layer of workwear, a mid layer and an outer layer, which when combined offer the maximum amount of warmth and resistance to the elements.
Base Layer 1:
Hydra Flame Inherent FR Arc Base Layer Shirt (Eddison)
Mid Layer 2:
Outer Layer 3:
Security Bomber Jacket w Reflective Tape
Other layers of clothing that are effective include gloves and hats, we lose a massive amount of heat through our heads so providing thermally insulated headgear can help reduce this.
There is no legal minimum outdoors working temperature in the UK which means that workers may attempt to cope with colder environments by adding more layers of clothing if they are too cold. This can lead to safety issues, especially if hi-vis workwear is being covered up by another layer with less visibility.
Employers need to research the different designs and materials available when looking for suitable winter workwear, in order to select the best winter workwear for their employees. The best way to do this is by considering the different types of activities different workers are involved in so that they can be assigned suitable winter workwear for their role.
If you have any questions regarding purchasing winter workwear that protects your workforce from cold weather then please call Work & Wear Direct on 01702 553698.
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