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Staying Safe in the Cold
Tuesday 3rd October 2023
Direct Training (GB) Limited
Staying Safe in the Cold
As the winter draws in and the temperatures begin to drop here in the UK, it is important to know how to be safe in the cold weather. Whilst being and working in the cold can be uncomfortable, it can also be dangerous. Some of the dangers that cold weather presents include; numbness, frostbite, hypothermia and dehydration. In this blog we are going to be sharing with you 6 of our top tips for staying safe in the cold.
1. Plan breaks from the cold
Similarly to how you need to take breaks from your work throughout the day, you also need to take breaks from the cold. Plan times throughout the day where you can warm up. This is necessary to do to avoid coldness and shivers.
2. Dress appropriately for the conditions
By dressing in layers you are not only able to avoid coldness but you are also able to adjust what you wear and how much you wear to match the change in temperature. Some key, essential clothing items include wearing the proper socks, gloves and footwear. Furthermore, it is essential to choose good headwear that keeps both your head and ears warm. Alternatively, balaclavas are another great option as they can help to keep your neck warm and warm the air that you are breathing.
3. Stay dry
Damp clothing is dangerous in cold weather as it can quickly drop your body temperature. A great way to stay dry in the cold is to wear a moisture-wicking base layer. This will help to draw away sweat, especially whilst you are working. Waterproof clothing works as an outer shell to prevent your under layers from getting wet. You should remove any wet clothing immediately.
4. Keep a cold weather safety kit in your vehicle
If you are on the road, especially if your job involves lots of driving, you should keep a cold weather safety kit in your car. A cold weather safety kit includes supplies such as candles, matches and an emergency blanket. A candle burning in a safe location in a car can provide enough warmth to ward off hypothermia for a period of time.
5. Stay well nourished by eating and drinking
In cold weather you will dehydrate much faster so it is essential to drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated. Symptoms of dehydration include dizziness, headache and fatigue. Furthermore, eating enough food during the day, especially fats and carbohydrates, is important. This is because your body uses the nutrients from your food as energy to stay warm in the cold temperatures.
6. Stay well rested
Working in the cold can cause fatigue and make tasks challenging. This in turn increases any safety risks. Make sure that you are getting plenty of sleep so that you are alert on the job, especially in the cold where conditions are more dangerous.
We hope that you enjoyed this blog and that it provided you with some key tips for staying safe in the cold, especially if you are working in the elements.