01/27/2021
January Safety Tip
At Landscape Associates Inc. we take safety very seriously. Along with our in house weekly safety meeting we wanted to publicize a monthly topic that can help you. For us in the south dressing correctly to work or be in the cool for an extended period can seem like a guessing game, but the key it to be prepared for what could happen. The below article highlights the correct order of layer that should be worn. It is even suggested that you have some if not all of these items in your vehicle in case of a breakdown and you have to walk in colder weather.
When cold environments or temperatures cannot be avoided, the following cold-weather protective clothing and equipment helps protect workers against cold stress.
Clothing: Wear at least three layers of loose fitting clothing. Layering provides better insulation.
1. An inner layer of wool, silk or synthetic (polypropylene) to keep moisture away from the body. These materials also hold more body heat than cotton.
2. A middle layer of wool, synthetic (Fleece) to provide insulation even when wet.
3. An outer wind and rain protective layer that allows ventilation to prevent overheating.
All layers should be loose so blood flow can still happen to transport heat around the body.
Face Covering: Knit mask, or synthetic (Polypropylene) to cover face and mouth if needed.
Head Covering: When it is cold out, protecting your head is very important. A hat (toboggan) shields your ears from the cold and retains heat.
Gloves: No matter the job, if you are working outdoors in cold weather, you should most definitely be wearing some sort of gloves. Not only for safety but for cold protection as well.
Socks: Wearing one or two pair of socks is recommended in cold weather to protect your feet. The outer pair should be a size bigger to prevent compression and keep blood flow.
Footwear: You need to have proper footwear for the occasion. Waterproof boots or leather boots that have been treated to be water proofed.
Worker Visibility: It is the most important to make yourself visible during all seasons, but wearing reflective gear is especially critical in the winter months, as the hours of daylight are shortened.
