Winter workwear needs to suit the job, the weather and the person wearing it. An insulated jacket is only one part of preparing a team for cold, wet conditions.
Build a useful layering system
Compare a base layer, an insulating mid-layer and an outer layer appropriate to the weather. Check that the combination allows movement and does not interfere with PPE. More layers are not automatically better if they restrict the task or make the clothing fit poorly.
Check the exposed areas
Consider suitable gloves, footwear and head protection alongside the main garments. Confirm compatibility with helmets and other equipment before adding accessories. Avoid loose items where they could introduce an entanglement risk.
Plan the working day
Review forecasts and the conditions at the actual workplace. Cold-weather planning includes opportunities to warm up, arrangements for wet clothing and a clear way to report discomfort. Severe conditions may require changes to the task, not simply a thicker coat.
Review before replacing
Ask wearers what worked last winter and what did not. Record problems such as water ingress, limited movement or difficult fastenings, then compare replacements against those requirements and the manufacturer’s specifications.