Let’s be honest with ourselves – when winter sets in, everything gets just that little bit harder.
Less safe underfoot and with less dexterity in our fingers, even the smallest jobs can become not only difficult but dangerous too. Aside from filling up the flask and blowing warm air into cupped hands though, what can we do to keep out the cold and bring our work rate back up to scratch?
The answer, as we’re sure you know, is cold weather work gear. From base layers to jackets, and trousers to boots, here are a few of our handpicked choices, so you can stay warm this winter. Let’s go.
Layering
Building an effective base layer is the first step to keeping warm in adverse conditions. The base layer should be close-fitting and made from a polyester blend to perform well against cold conditions. This is why we recommend investing in some Thermal Trousers and Tops.
Top pick: Scruffs Active Thermal Pro Baselayer Top & Bottoms
These soft, comfortable base layers will keep your body temperature up, even if you have to remove or open your coat for a period.
Work Hats and Gloves
When you’re working outside, you need to pay attention to areas of your body where heat is likely to escape. That means your head.
Not just any hat will do though, because most sites require you to wear certain Personal Protection Equipment, namely, a hard hat.
Choose a hat that fits underneath a hard hat, like the Tuffstuff Peaked Beanie Hat. This is an extremely affordable and superbly stylish option, featuring ear flaps to ensure you don’t lose any body heat along the way.
Your hands also require special protection during the winter months, protection offered by products like the OX Waterproof Thermal Safety Gloves. These gloves are great for warmth in cold external conditions and provide complete water resistance on those rainy days.
Cold Weather Jackets
From there, choose from our wide range of winter jackets. Jackets like the Scruffs Waterproof Worker Jacket combine a waterproof rating of 3000mm with a lightweight mesh lining, making it the perfect accessory for all wet and cold weather.
Even if you’re in need of Hi-Vis winter workwear, we’ve got you covered. The Pulsar P507 Classic Hi-Visibility Yellow Fleece is both safe and practical, keeping you warm and visibly safe at work. Certified to: EN471:2003 Class 3. You can also find Hi-Vis clothing from top brands including Beeswift, Herock and Portwest in our range.
Winter Workwear Trousers
We all know how hard our trousers work whilst on site, but when winter rolls around, things get considerably tougher. Ice-cold surfaces, lashing rain and snow – plus an increased chance of slipping – means you need the very best.
That’s why we offer an unparalleled range of work trousers to beat the elements, each designed to help you get your job done safely and comfortably.
An alternative to the typical work trouser is work joggers. Take for example the Tuffstuff Fleece Jogging Bottoms. You’ll have comfort and warmth on your side as well as all the main features of standard work trousers such as knee pad inserts, a hammer loop and roomy pockets.
Work Boots
Last (but certainly not least) is the most vital of personal protection equipment – work boots.
Keeping feet warm is essential to working comfortably and safely, but did you know the fastest way feet lose their heat is when they’re wet? It’s for that reason that we strongly suggest you invest in a pair of waterproof safety boots.
This model from V12 is a great example – they’re waterproof, anti-static, heat resistant and have a composite toecap and midsole. It also features the innovative IGS rubber sole unit to ensure superb grip on all surfaces.
Safety wellingtons are also a great option in wet weather conditions. Offering all the benefits of a standard wellington, safety wellies have the added benefit of heat and impact resistance, making them ideal for all your on site jobs. You’ll notice that winter boots are typically a lot roomier, this is because they’re allowing for thicker socks plus extra space to allow air to circulate.
Remember, wearing cold weather work gear will help protect you from illness or injury, so it’s important that you buy the right clothing. Head over to our Best Selling Winter Workwear category for more great winter essentials.
Related blog: Safety Boots: A Beginners Buying Guide
