There are certain types of jobs that can require workers to spend a significant amount of time outdoors in extremely cold conditions. Some regions experience winters with heavy snow, chilling winds and even dangerous ice build up. While some industries are able to seasonally adapt their processes in order to limit worker exposure to this kind of environment, there are others which continue on, business as usual, no matter what the weather might be like outside. If you work in temperatures that could be considered hazardous to your health, then you need to make sure that you take extra steps to protect your body from the negative effects of the cold.
One of the easiest ways to keep your body safe from low temperatures is to wear multiple layers of well-insulated clothing. While a good winter jacket on its own might seem like it would be warm enough outdoors, wearing multiple layers allows you to trap heat close to your body where it can do the most good. The more layers you can wear, the more layers of heat that you can trap. This is especially true when it comes to protecting the extremities – multiple layers of woolen or thermal socks inside of insulated winter boots, combined with smaller gloves inside of larger, water-proof gloves can help make sure that your fingers and toes do not fall prey to frostbite. However, too many layers can reduce mobility and force you to adopt awkward positions during the course of your work, so it is necessary to find a balance between being able to move properly, and keeping warm. In addition to a jacket, boots, and gloves, a hat is an important part of your cold weather ensemble, as it keeps your body from losing heat through the top of your head. Make sure to get a hat which comes down over your ears, in order to prevent frostbite in this easy to miss location.
When outside in harsh conditions, it is important to stay moving in order to encourage blood flow. Movement improves the circulation inside of your body, bringing warm blood from your center to your head, feet and hands. Standing still for too long can reduce your body temperature, especially in your limbs. If you are working inside of a vehicle, make sure that the cab is shielded from the wind on all sides, and that a heater is provided. This heater should also have the capability to defrost the windows of whatever vehicle you are driving, in order to ensure that you have a safe level of visibility.
Finally, keep in mind that underneath all of that warm clothing, while performing physical labor, it is possible that you will sweat. Once you stop working, this sweat remains on your skin, and possibly soaks into your clothes. When exposed to extreme cold, this moisture could lead to a serious drop in body temperature known as hypothermia. If possible, take your breaks inside of a heated area where you can change out of any sweat-soaked clothing before heading back out into the snow.
