Transportation & logistics – PPE for optimal protection against cold

Did you know that as many as 19% of Dutch workers regularly suffer from the cold at work? (FNV, 2024) Imagine standing outside working in the cold without proper clothing, for example, in the transport and logistics sector, or spending hours in a refrigeration or freezing cell. It may seem like something you can ignore, but the effect on your body can be profound. Especially if you move little while working, it becomes difficult to keep yourself warm.

In this article, we explain why protection from cold is important and give advice on how to stay warm while working, including the use of PPE. Finally, we share some tips for working safely in cold conditions.

Why protect against cold?

You might think that it doesn’t get so cold in the Netherlands that protection from the cold is necessary, but even at temperatures below 15 °C it is important to take extra measures. (ArboNed, 2024) This is because your body uses a lot of energy to keep itself warm, which can lead to impaired motor skills and concentration – two factors that increase the likelihood of accidents, especially if you’re working outside or sitting still in a cold or freezing cell. Wearing extra layers of clothing and gloves helps reduce these risks.

How do you stay warm while working?

To stay warm while working in cold conditions, it is essential to wear the right clothing and PPE. Start by wearing multiple layers of clothing, starting with a breathable base layer that wicks sweat away from your skin, followed by an insulating intermediate layer of fleece or wool to retain body heat. A waterproof and windproof outer layer is important to protect you from the elements, especially from wind and rain that exacerbate the cold.

As for PPE, be sure to properly protect your hands and feet with thermal gloves and insulating socks. Warm, waterproof boots offer protection from the cold and the risk of frostbite. Don’t forget your head and face either: a warm hat, scarf or balaclava help retain body heat. By combining the right PPE with wearing layers, you can optimally regulate your body temperature and keep working safely in the cold.

Our recommendations: 

ATG MAXIDRY ZERO 56-451 GLOVE Art. No.: 1.50.386.00	OXXA® VILOFT THERMAL T-SHIRT LONG SLEEVE & VILOFT THERMAL PANTS Art. No.: 2.52.350.00 & 2.53.350.00	HAVEP 2206 WINTEROVERALL Art. No.: 2.44.341.00

Tips for working during the cold

Working in cold conditions requires extra attention to the workplace and employee protection. Here are some important tips for staying comfortable and safe while working in the cold:

• Provide adequate heat sources: It is important to have adequate heating options in the workplace, such as outdoor mobile heaters or heating in work areas. This helps maintain a pleasant work environment.
• Protect the workplace from the elements: For outdoor workers, it can help to shield the workplace from wind, rain or snow. This can be done by using windbreaks or canopies, for example, so that employees are less affected by the weather conditions.

If it is not possible to avoid the cold completely, there are some additional measures that can be taken:

• Wear proper PPE: It is recommended to wear thermal clothing, warm gloves, socks, boots and a hat to stay comfortable and protect against the cold.
• Reduce work time in the cold: If the work requires prolonged exposure to the cold, it is wise to reduce the duration of the work to ensure that employees are not exposed to the cold for too long.
• Schedule regular breaks in a warm space: It is important to take regular breaks in a heated space to maintain body temperature and give employees a chance to warm up.

These measures help create a pleasant and safe working environment even when temperatures are lower.

Need help?

Want advice or additional information on which PPE is suitable for working in cold conditions? Contact us today at T. +31 (0)181 47 50 00. Our enthusiastic team will be happy to tell you more!