How to Stay Warm During Cold-Weather Projects
What most people consider inclement weather is not always what builders, laborers and project managers consider inclement weather.
The recent polar vortex that hit much of the Midwest at the start of this year brings home just how important it is to be prepared for extreme weather conditions. While even the toughest of project managers might have ceased work during the negative temperatures, it’s important to remember that average cold can also present dangers to ill-equipped outdoor workers.
Must-Haves
There are certain cold-weather clothes that are simply non-negotiable. You should invest in quality, thermal long underwear that will serve as your first layer of protection under any work clothes. It’s also critical to keep extremities warm by wearing warm hats, masks, socks, boots and gloves. Fingers, toes, ears and noses are especially susceptible to frostbite as they are furthest from the body’s core.
It’s important that cold-weather clothes don’t compromise safe working conditions, so consider mimicking work movements when trying on items like boots, coats and gloves. Tight clothes may seem like a good idea, but they actually constrict circulation, causing body temps to drop. Choose clothing items that are comfortable and don’t restrict movement.
Layers
You probably already know that layering clothing is a necessity for outdoor work, but you may not know the best way to do it. Layering several thin layers is better than wearing a couple of thick layers. The space between each layer provides extra insulation, and the more layers you wear, the more you can adjust your body heat if you become too hot or too cold.
The layer closest to the skin should not actually be cotton, because once it gets wet, it no longer provides insulation. Instead, make sure the first layer is a wool, silk or synthetic fabric that can wick away moisture. For the same reason, the middle layer should also be a synthetic.
The outermost layer should be waterproof and well ventilated. Though we usually worry about not being warm enough, it’s also dangerous to become too warm. When your body starts to sweat, the clothes become wet, decreasing their insulation. Also, as sweat evaporates, it lowers your body’s temperature, which is just what you want on a 90° June day but exactly what you’re trying to avoid in the cold.
Breaks
When working in extreme conditions (hot or cold), it’s absolutely critical that you take occasional breaks. When temperatures drop, the frequency of breaks should depend on just how cold it is—the colder the air, the more often you should be warming up.
Site supervisors should create a break rotation schedule that ensures that every single person on site gets regular breaks from the cold. The air temperature as well as the wind-chill should directly inform this schedule.
Power Foods
Keeping warm is internal as much as it is external. This may be one of the few situations in which you’re actually encouraged to eat high-calorie foods. Warm, carbohydrate-rich foods like pasta will help offset the calories your body is burning to keep you warm while doing physical labor in extreme cold.
As for beverages, difficult as it may be, you should avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea and hot chocolate. You may feel a craving for these comforting drinks, but caffeine dehydrates you. Opt instead for caffeine-free tea with sugar, which will warm you up, hydrate you and give you energy.
Spotting Danger
As many precautions as we take, it’s still possible for dangerous situations to arise on a cold-weather project site. One great safety measure is the old, tried-and-true buddy system. People working in close proximity should keep an eye on one another and be on the lookout for any warning signs of exhaustion or hypothermia. These signs can include shivering, loss of balance, slurred words and a pale or swollen face. Hypothermia is dangerous in itself, but the symptoms can also result in dangerous accidents.
Another cold-related danger is frostbite, which is caused by prolonged exposure to cold air. Watch for the early signs of frostbite, such as itchy skin, numbness and a burning sensation. If you or your buddy sees any of these indicators, get out of the cold immediately and consult a doctor.
When temperatures plummet and the rest of the world retreats indoors, your job may keep you out in the elements. Whatever the weather conditions, your main priority should be your health and safety. Keep a close eye on yourself and your team as you brave the cold this winter.
Brendan Thomas is the vice president of business development at Lifting Gear Hire Corp., a national supplier of lifting and rigging equipment in Bridgeview, Ill.
