We are in the middle of winter and the temperatures don’t seem to be on the rise. Working outside, if not taken seriously, can be extremely dangerous. We want to make sure to give you the proper tips to ensure your safety. A few common injuries that come with poor cold weather preparation include: Hypothermia, frost-bite and dehydration. If precautions are taken seriously, these ailments from the cold can be alleviated.

The human body dehydrates quicker in the cold which is why it is vital to drink plenty of fluids through the day. Also, when it starts to get cold, the body is using more energy to stay warm. This is where carbohydrates come into play. Make sure you are fueling your body enough to keep yourself warm and to keep your energy levels up during the day.

This goes without saying, the less a person sleeps the more tired they become. Working outside as pointed out in our #1 Tip sucks the energy right out of us. If we start the day out low on energy, the cold will make the rest of the day miserable. Being tired and going to work and then becoming more tired from the cold can lead to some serious injuries. Do yourself a favor and get some sleep!

Long exposure to frigid temperatures isn’t good for our skin. When we are outside too long or exposed to the elements for an extended period of time frost-bite becomes a real concern. When you know working outside is in your schedule, be sure to plan at some point in the morning and afternoon for a “warm up” break. This will allow you to re-energize and get your body temp back to where it’s supposed to be.

Your body is already cold, don’t speed up the process by wearing clothes that have become wet. Being cold AND wet will only make hypothermia more of a reality. If you find yourself in a situation that your clothes have become wet, find a way to get dry clothes ASAP. This goes for any clothing, hats, gloves or boots.

If you are going to be working in the cold be sure you are dressed appropriate. This means wearing layers. A general rule of thumb is “a person can always take layers off” Meaning… It’s better to over dress and having to take a layer off, than being under dressed and trying to stay warm. Don’t forget about your hands and feet with this rule. Hand and Foot warmers are great investments for very little money. The best part about these awesome inventions is, as long as they package isn’t damaged you can keep them in your coat until you need them. We recommend keeping a few of these in your vehicles and coat at all times. You never know when you’ll need them.

Working in the cold shouldn’t be taken lightly. Take the proper steps to ensure you can perform and stay safe during this time of year.