Whether you are a surveyor, landman, oil and gas worker or other land professional, winter can be particularly long and cold. For both your comfort and your health, it is important that you understand how to appropriately prepare for winter weather when working outdoors. Let’s take a look at a few of the most helpful tips from experienced outdoor workers and health experts:
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Understand risk factors. While everybody reacts differently to cold weather, health related issues are usually caused by three basic environmental conditions - wind, moisture and low temperatures. When two or more of these conditions are present, the body is at an increased risk of losing excessive body heat and suffering from cold-related issues.
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Be Prepared. Many workers make the mistake of thinking each day’s conditions will be the same for an extended period of time. This simply is not true. Cold weather fronts can approach in a matter of hours and may drop average temperatures rapidly. It’s not enough to leave a coat and pair of boots in your truck; you need to look at the weather report each morning and plan accordingly.
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Layer up. Layering your clothes is one of the smartest things you can
do when you know you will be outdoors for a prolonged period of time. Because temperatures and conditions change throughout the day, layering helps you adjust as needed. Your base layer should be designed to keep heat inside and protect your skin. Other layers can be taken off as necessary, but should also provide protection from moisture and wind. Be careful about bulking up too much, though, as thick jackets, gloves, or boots may interfere with your ability to perform work duties and tasks.
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Watch your step. When moisture is present – whether in the form of rain, sleet, snow or ice – conditions can be very dangerous. Investing in a pair of rubber slip-resistant boots will help you when walking on slick surfaces that cannot be avoided. In addition to wearing the right footwear, learning to walk flat-footed with evenly distributed weight will help with your balance.
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Stay hydrated. While the focus is almost always on staying hydrated in the summer, you can also become dehydrated during the winter months. Just think about seeing your breath in the air. That is moisture leaving your body. Drinking warm beverages will help keep you both warm and hydrated.
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Be smart when scheduling. If you have the freedom to do so, try to schedule work for the warmest part of the day. Not only will the conditions be more comfortable, but traveling to and from the job site may be easier.
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Train employees. If you are in charge of a group of employees or run a business, it is your responsibility to train workers for cold conditions. At a minimum, teach them how to stay warm, respond to situations and recognize hazards.
Do not let the winter hold you back! Learning to combat cold weather this season will allow you to safely and efficiently perform high quality work. Keep these seven tips in mind next time you head out into the cold.
