In winter, many business sectors are directly affected by the arrival of cold weather and worsening climatic conditions. Professional fields such as construction or delivery are most impacted by this drop in temperature, but others can be affected too. Whenever employees are required to work in a warehouse, on the premises or outdoors, team leaders or procurement managers must ensure that the best possible conditions are in place to carry out the required tasks. These improvements include the provision of cold weather equipment in the workplace.<\/p>\n
European Directive 89\/656 EEC<\/a> defines the duties of companies and managers with regard to personal protective equipment (PPE). Regulation\u00a02016\/425<\/a> further specifies the definition of PPE as follows: \u201cEquipment designed and manufactured to be worn or held by a person for protection against one or more risks.\u201d<\/em> This European text highlights the principles of PPE compliance and the obligations of manufacturers.<\/p>\n Exposure to temperatures below 5\u00a0\u00b0C in a professional context should be a matter of concern for employers and employees. Besides the real risks to the health and safety of staff, there may also be an impact on performance.<\/p>\n There are numerous health and safety risks associated with exposure to extreme cold. These include:<\/p>\n Although regulations may vary from country to country, employees do have the right to withdraw from work in the event of extreme cold if there is an imminent and serious danger to their health or even their lives. This is also the case if the equipment or protection systems are found to have a defect.<\/p>\n If no suitable arrangements are made to protect employees from the cold (provision of suitable equipment, heating of premises, etc.), they can refuse to work without loss of pay. It should be noted that the legislation enacted on the subject does not always mention a specific minimum temperature. It is then up to the manager and the staff to assess whether there is a real risk.<\/p>\n Failure to take into account working conditions in terms of safety and thermal protection can lead not only to serious health risks but also to a significant drop in productivity for the company.<\/p>\n Construction workers, refuse collectors, agricultural workers and employees in cold stores or slaughterhouses are directly exposed to extreme cold. The implementation of preventive measures and the provision of suitable equipment help them to carry out their tasks in a timely manner without putting themselves at risk.<\/p>\n All occupations involving outdoor work are affected by the wearing of extreme cold-weather equipment and the implementation of safety measures. In sectors such as transport, delivery or construction, for example, the climatic conditions in which employees carry out their work must therefore be taken into account.<\/p>\n These are not the only professional fields in which protection against the cold should be considered. All workers in cold rooms (restaurants, supermarkets, slaughterhouses, etc.) or factories are also exposed to risks related to cold. Personal protective equipment (PPE) against drops in temperature is essential for the safety of the workforce and the maintenance of business activity.<\/p>\n A number of solutions are available to combat the cold while working. Protection is ensured in advance through the dissemination of awareness-raising information to employees, as well as through the procurement of cold weather equipment for the workplace.<\/p>\n Besides the obligations imposed by European regulations, it is essential for all companies to inform their employees about the risks and means of prevention to combat the cold. Many accidents can be avoided by taking this preventive step. Workers in cold environments must therefore be made aware of the symptoms associated with exposure to cold. Guidelines on appropriate clothing, for example, should be posted so that all employees are aware of them:<\/p>\n Employees should be encouraged to work in pairs as often as possible for mutual supervision and protection.<\/p>\n It is strongly recommended to limit the presence and activity of employees in areas of extreme cold. Workers who are working outdoors or in environments with particularly low temperatures are advised to make regular visits to break rooms with heating suitable for extreme cold.<\/p>\n This also involves planning working time outdoors in winter or in places where temperatures are very low (warehouses, cold rooms, etc.).<\/p>\n Reducing the risks associated with extreme cold also involves snow clearance, safe access to the work area and the equipment used for work.<\/p>\n H3 \u2013 Clothing and footwear suitable for winter conditions<\/p>\n Protecting employees during extremely cold weather requires the use of suitable equipment. The availability of cold weather clothing should therefore be a top priority for companies. The provision of personal protective equipment applies to all staff members, who should be issued with a set of clothing to withstand harsh thermal conditions:<\/p>\n European Directive 89\/686\/EEC<\/a>, adopted by all EU member states, insists that certain requirements must be met before personal protective equipment can be placed on the market. Work clothes that comply with these standards thus provide optimum protection for employees in the event of exposure to extreme cold.<\/p>\n If an employer has reasons to believe that their employees are likely to be exposed to extreme cold, it is up to them to choose suitable workwear for each individual. This choice relates to equipment for men and women, as well as accessories and work shoes.<\/p>\nThe consequences of poor protection against the cold at work<\/h2>\n
Safety risks associated with inadequate protection against the cold for employees<\/h3>\n
\n
Employees\u2019 right to withdraw<\/h3>\n
Loss of productivity within the company<\/h3>\n
Occupations and business sectors concerned by protection against the cold<\/h2>\n
Solutions for professionals facing extreme cold<\/h2>\n
Internally disseminated information on how to keep warm at work<\/h3>\n
\n
A limited area of extreme cold with heated premises nearby<\/h3>\n
\n
Choosing clothes and footwear for working in the cold<\/h2>\n
Extreme cold weather equipment that meets European standards<\/h3>\n