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Working in the cold

30 December 2022 - Nienke Stobbe

It's the middle of winter and that means working in the cold, brrrr! Not only can it be cold outside, but also in unheated sheds or cold stores. If a workplace is too cold, employees can sometimes perform less well and also become ill. It is therefore important to go to work well prepared and to take clothing and equipment into account, for example. Read on for tips to make working in the cold more pleasant and safer for yourself!

Tips for working in the cold

  • It is important to avoid hypothermia or even frostbite. So protect yourself well against the cold. We've collected the best tips for this:
  • Wear warm and insulating clothing.
  • Wear ventilating underwear and outerwear to avoid sweating.
  • Wear several layers of clothing. More layers = more warmth.
  • In case of rain or wind, wear waterproof, vapor-permeable hooded overgarments, gloves and waterproof boots. Also make sure you have spare clothes with you.
  • Wear gloves. There are special contact gloves for when you have to operate tools or machines.
  • Wear safety shoes or safety boots with thick soles and thick, woolen socks.
  • Immediately replace wet socks with dry socks.

Click here for more information about working in the cold.

Travel safely to and from work in the cold

Do you go to work by car? Then make sure you have an ice scraper, a lock defroster and sufficient antifreeze windshield wiper fluid at hand. Never go on the road if your windows are not completely clean and free of ice. This is a lot safer and saves you a fine: Click here for more information.

Do you go to work by bike? Check your bicycle tires. Tires with less pressure provide more grip on slippery roads. Do you have an electric bicycle? When it is cold, the battery lasts less. So charge them regularly, at room temperature. And most importantly: show yourself! It is longer dark in winter and therefore more dangerous for cyclists. Een working front and rear light is therefore essential. Check that the batteries are still working and that the cables are OK. And use fluorescent accents to stand out even more. Click here for the bicycle lighting rules.

With the above tips you can ensure that you can work safely and responsibly in the cold. Keep an eye on our blog for more information and tips for working safely.