Tagged with 'winter safety gear'

When the weather reaches uncomfortably low tempuratures in the workplace, the most important thing you can do is dress for it. Proper preparation means not only dressing as warm as possible, but dressing for your job to improve both safety, comfort and performance.
 
Working outdoors during the winter season creates a variety of obstacles. You're faced with freezing temperatures, harsh winds, snow, and freezing rain. Materials, tools and surfaces become wet and icy, making them more difficult and hazardous to work with. Visibility is often drastically reduced, further complicating things and compunding the above-mentioned struggles.
It's definitely not for the faint of heart.
 
Fortunately, we can battle the winter climate with apparel that's been designed for working in it. Manufacturers have made serious progress over the years in an effort to provide the most effective garments for the job. This includes both hi-vis winter workwear and Non-ANSI apparel. While warmth is critical, it's equally important to focus on functionality - something that's often overloked. No two jobs are the same, and there's more to a safe and productive work day than just being warm.
 
For people whose occupations require less physical activity and more exposure to the cold, warmth is key. The head, hands and feet often get neglected and are the first areas to become dangerously cold. High visibility headwear and high visibility gloves are designed for exactly this situation. With limited physical activity, it's important to choose a highly insulated garments such as Tough Duck, which are designed for the coldest weather out there. On the other hand, people whose jobs are strenuous or require heavy physical activity will find certain garments too warm. Their bodies heat will rise and these garments can cause too much sweating and inability to maintain a comfortable body temperature. In that circumstance, it's important to choose lightly insulated jackets, freezer vests, or multi-use jackets such as the Onyx Series 3-in-1 Ripstop Bomber Jacket from GSS. It's better to maintain a constant body temperature than to constantly remove and add layers as activity starts and stops - making it important to find a apparel that provides balance throughout the day.
 
Warmth and safety do have a common ground, but comfort plays an equally important role. With garments that are too bulky, you will lose flexibility and range of motion. You also create more risk when it comes to snags on equipment or materials which can be life-threatening. The super-bulky artcic style jacket and bibs which might work wonderfully for a land surveyor could be a death sentence for someone working with rebar, or at extreme heights. Keep that in mind when looking for the correct high visibility bibs for your job. Try to find gear that will be comfortable but not retrictive to your job duties.
 
Depending on your location, you might find that brutally cold temperatures don't occur, yet you still deal with snow and freezing rain. In these circumstances, visibility is more important than ever and this is especially true for those working in or around roadways. Even if your job requirements only call for ANSI Class 2 garments, it's in your best interests to choose something like this Viking ANSI 3 Ripstop Rain Jacket that can be work over your clothes while offering waterproof and ripstop protection from the elements.
 
There's a lot to consider, but one thing is for sure - there's no shortage of hi-vis winter workwear. A safe week at work is a good week and a warm and safe week is even better. We spend a lot of time at our jobs, it's important for that time to be spent effectively. Improving comfort and performance while reducing the risk of accidents and hazards should be a top priority. Get the right gear and you'll be able to focus on your job, no matter what the climate is.
 
 

As the cold weather of winter approaches, working outdoors begins to become a real chore. Not only are you forced to deal with the cold, but everything that comes with it. From snow and ice to freezing rain and harsh winds, winter is not an ideal work environment. Nonetheless, the work must be done. One of the most important factors in making the workday bearable in the lower temperatures is your workwear. With the proper equipment, you can achieve warmth throughout the workday and protect yourself from the elements.
 
One of the most important things about choosing the proper clothing for working outdoors in the winter is knowing what you're up against. The type of job you're doing can make a difference between needing a bomber jacket or parka, simple rain pants or insulated bibs, or the difference between needing an ANSI or Non-ANSI garments for visibility. For example, while a bomber jacket usually offers a higher level of mobility than a parka, the parka will usually tend to be warmer than the bomber jacket.
 
There are several factors you should consider before deciding which garments have the proper features to meet your needs and help simplify your job duties. Does your job require working in rain or in/around standing water? Is high visibility ANSI compliance a necessity? Can hands-free communication or a radio pocket make your job easier? Are you working in sub-zero temperatures which requires garments with heavier insulation? Can you open or unzip the pockets without needing to remove your gloves? Properly identifying your needs will make for a better performing and more functional purchase.
 
Quality should also be a concern when making a purchase. If you're only working a temporary job or don't need the added cost of a high quality jacket, there are plenty of economical options available. On the other hand, if your job consists of long days, exposure to extreme cold or requires working with heavy materials, you might consider something made with heavier insulation, ripstop fabric, a heavy hood, and a design that eliminates wind & water penetration. It's also important to determine whether you'll be near exposed flame, fire, or sparks and if you'll be safest with FR-rated fire resistant garments. Convincing yourself that you can get by with the cheapest ANSI 2 jacket available doesn't mean your workday will be much warmer or any easier. If you'll be spending several months working in the cold, you'll need to be prepared so be sure to choose the products that will offer you the highest level of comfort and functionality for your specific duties and profession.
 
Last but not least, don't rule out the effectivity of accessories such as hats, gloves, and other insulating products. While a cheap pair of hardware store work gloves might prevent frost bite, they're not going to stand up to the elements or the repeated handling of heavy materials such as stone or metals. Your best bet is to find something that not only keeps your hands or head warm but is also durable enough to survive the season, is available in high visibility colors, and provides a secure fit.
 
Again, you get what you pay for and while you don't need to spend a small fortune to protect yourself while working outdoors in the winter, it's helpful to think realistically and make sure the garments you purchase are sufficient for delivering extended warmth, safety and comfort, all day long.

Keeping your head, neck and face warm is a crucial part of working outdoors in the winter. Without proper protection a day at work can be downright miserable - and even dangerous! We have a great lineup of winter headwear available from the top brand names in safety work gear. They're all specifically designed to make your job easier this season. Best of all, they're available at our everyday low prices. Take a look below to see what's new this year!
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Tough Duck FR Kermel Headwear

Tough Duck is designed in the far north where the temperatures are disturbingly frigid, and if anyone knows about winter work gear it's these guys. New to the lineup this year is the FR Series Kermel Interlock Headwear. Made from the highest quality materials and made to last, there are 3 products to choose from including a neck warmer, watch cap and balaclava. All 3 are FR rated to keep you safe while keeping you warm. Check them out, along with the other Tough Duck Winter Workwear items today.
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Ergodyne N-Ferno Nomex Balaclava

Ergodyne is a leader in the high visibility safety industry and they also know a thing or two about cold weather gear. The N-Ferno Nomex Balaclava is made from 93% nomex fleece for optimal warmth & stretchability. Nomex provides superior warmth, so there's no doubt that the N-ferno Balaclava can keep you warm on even the most bitterly cold days. The long length ensure proper neck cover and makes this balaclava easy to tuck into a undershirt or jacket. Check out the N-Ferno Balaclava today at HiVis Supply.
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ML Kishigo HiVis Knit Beanie

ML Kishigo globally known leader in the safety workwear industry. If you own anything from ML Kishigo, you know they offer cutting edge products that are made to be effective, affordable and long-lasting. The HiVis Knit Beanie is affordable, effective and perfect for working outdoors. Featuring dual reflective thread striping for enhanced safety & visibility, these beanies are made from 100% knit polyester for comfort, warmth and a snug fit. Better yet, they're under $7! Available in hives yellow or orange. Check out the ML Kishigo Hivis Knit Beanie right now.
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We know what it's like to work outdoors and we do our best to offer the best high visibility & PPE products at the best prices anywhere. Visit us at HiVisSupply.com and experience the difference in top quality products, excellent customer service and an unbeatable selection. We also offer FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $149 - Get stocked up on winter workwear today!
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With winter right around the corner, it's that time of the year that many of you are beginning to dread. Now that the long hot days of summer have passed, you're able to enjoy a small break of mild weather right now before venturing right back into the bitterly cold temperatures of winter. While it's generally of no importance to those working in warmer climates, those in the mid to northern states will begin to feel the brunt of it in the coming months.
 
If your job requires working outside or even in certain types of indoor environments, you're going to be bundling up towards the end of October as the temperatures begin to plummet. Those early morning hours start to become reminiscent of stepping into an icebox and suddenly, going to work just doesn't seem to be as tolerable as it once was. While nobody enjoys being uncomfortable cold all day, there are definitely steps to take that will increase your comfort and productivity during even the coldest of days this winter.
 
Many people choose to bundle up with layer after layer of undergarments and clothing, only to end up to hot after they raise their heart rate and their body temperature begins to rise. The situation usually results in either stripping off a layer of clothing or simply leaving them all on and dealing with excessive sweating. Not only is this unnecessary but it causes fluctuations in your internal temperature, making you more susceptible to colds. Additionally, if high visibility safety vest or other gear is required then you're going to have to wear that apparel on top of your existing clothing which reduces comfort and agility. None of this sounds like any fun; it's not. But there's another option.
 
Lately, manufacturers have really increased the production of ANSI compliant high visibility and/or reflective safety apparel that's specifically designed for working outdoors during the winter months. Chances are that you've probably seen it before. From thermal bibs and pants to bomber jackets, parkas, gloves and headwear, there's and abundance of products available to you that offer a variety of benefits besides warmth.
 
Taking the comfort of the worker into consideration, you're going to get a lot more than a bright orange jacket with a massive reflective stripe on it - the days of those products are dwindling. Instead, you're going to see innovations like removable and/or reversible liners and shells, detachable hoods, radio pockets, storage pockets, and specialty front pockets that are fleece lined or ideal for placing hand warmers. Many of these products are equipped with strategically placed vents which are flapped, allowing excessive heat to escape while keeping a comfortable temperature and protecting you from the wind. Most are windproof and water resistant and some products even have microphone clips and ID holders to increase productivity and communication for foremen or any worker who's operating in extremely loud or spacious work environments.
 
Aside from the comfort factors, safety is also of importance. There's definitely no shortage of ANSI compliant winter work gear, regardless of what your duties entail. From non-ANSI reflective apparel to Class 2, Class 3 and even FR rated, you can be sure to find something that's ideal for your situation.
 
Ask yourself, is it really better to deal with the hassle of multiple layers of clothing, discomfort and decreased safety on the job? Would you prefer to be less productive and cold for 5 moths straight? Are you okay with risking your safety? Probably not. So why deal with it?
 
Specialty designed winter safety gear offers the best protection, optimal comfort and maximum visibility on the job. Many of these products are also manufactured from rip-stop fabrics and contain taped and sealed seams to prevent penetration of wind and water which only goes to show that they're truly made to perform, not just retain heat.
 
HiVis Supply, we stock a complete line of winter safety gear from the top manufacturers in the industry. We offer w wide variety of sizes, styles and colors at our everyday low prices, allowing you to save on the ideal application for your profession. Check out all of our high visibility winter safety gear today, so you can spend the winter focusing on your job instead of the temperature.