Managing the winter months

Arco points out that being uncomfortably hot, wet or cold can cause irrational and unsafe behaviour as employees take shortcuts to avoid being exposed to these conditions for long periods of time and their ability to make decisions deteriorates. It says that employers need to recognise that in order for employees to work at their optimum productivity level, they must be able to maintain a comfortable body temperature. It’s also vital that employers understand that allowing workers to continue working in uncomfortably wet or cold conditions is detrimental to their wellbeing and can become a safety risk. 

One of the most effective ways to protect employees against their thermal environment is to provide them with a suitable layering system. A layering system simply means providing different garments so workers can adapt what they wear to the changing weather, their work activity and their personal needs. Multiple layers are also more effective and less cumbersome to wear than a single bulky item.

This includes:

• An outer layer to shield against wind, rain and scuffs with breathable properties to help prevent overheating
• An insulating mid later to provide warmth and comfort 
• A base layer to offer additional thermal properties but also wick sweat away to help keep workers dry

To ensure employers are fully educated on protecting workers from the winter elements, Arco has created a dedicated section on its website and a free expert advice sheet for customers to download. Additionally, Arco has launched an all seasons, 3-in-1 jacket that offers versatility by providing two layers that can either work separately or together to offer an enhanced level of protection. 

As well as a quality layering system, employers need to ensure their workers are provided with fully waterproof clothing if they spend the majority of their working day outside. This includes those who require hazard protective clothing such as hi-vis. In order to give customers a choice of waterproof clothing, Arco’s GORE-TEX Fabric product range allows wearers to work in comfort while protected from the wind and rain.

The GORE-TEX outdoor clothing range is tested to almost eight times the minimum standards and is said to guarantee that water from the outside will never penetrate, wind cannot pass through and perspiration from inside escapes easily – ensuring the body is kept warm and dry.