Winter work brings a unique set of challenges to job sites. Freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and limited daylight can increase the risk of injuries if workers aren’t properly protected. Having the right cold weather PPE (personal protective equipment) is essential to keep teams safe, warm, and visible. In this guide, we’ll cover cold weather essentials, OSHA safety tips, and the importance of high-visibility gear for darker days.
If your gear is outdated, worn out, or no longer suited to the hazards of your job, you could be putting yourself at risk. This guide will walk you through when to replace PPE, what to watch out for, and what new gear is worth considering.
Cold Weather PPE Essentials: Layering for Protection and Comfort
When it comes to PPE for cold weather, layering is the key to staying warm without sacrificing mobility. Each layer serves a purpose:
- Base layers: Choose moisture-wicking thermal underwear to pull sweat away from the skin and prevent chilling.
- Insulating layers: Fleece jackets, quilted liners, or insulated bibs trap body heat.
- Outerwear: Waterproof and wind-resistant shells provide critical protection against snow, sleet, and windchill.
- Head & face protection: Thermal hard hat liners, balaclavas, and knit caps prevent heat loss — up to 40% of body heat escapes through the head.
- Hand protection: Insulated work gloves with water resistance balance warmth and dexterity, critical for tool handling.
- Footwear: Insulated, slip-resistant safety boots paired with wool or moisture-control socks help prevent frostbite and slips on icy surfaces.
Pro Tip: Don’t overdress. Too many layers can cause overheating and sweating, which increases the risk of cold stress once sweat cools.
OSHA Safety Tips for Addressing Cold Stress in the Workplace
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recognizes cold stress as a serious workplace hazard. Employers are responsible for protecting workers exposed to extreme winter conditions. Key OSHA recommendations include:
- Recognize cold stress hazards: Educate workers on the signs of frostbite, hypothermia, and trench foot.
- Work scheduling: Perform the most strenuous tasks during the warmest part of the day and rotate shifts to reduce prolonged cold exposure.
- Breaks & warming stations: Provide heated shelters or vehicles where workers can warm up periodically.
- Hydration & nutrition: Encourage warm, non-caffeinated fluids and high-energy foods to maintain body temperature.
- Training & awareness: Supervisors and workers must be able to identify early symptoms of cold-related illnesses and respond immediately.
By following these OSHA cold weather safety tips, employers can reduce risk and ensure compliance with federal workplace safety standards.
High-Vis Gear for Darker Winter Days
Shorter days mean more hours working in low light, dawn, dusk, or darkness. This makes high-vis winter gear a non-negotiable part of PPE.
- ANSI Class 2 Garments: Designed for workers in moderate-risk environments with complex backgrounds or traffic moving over 25 mph — such as road construction or airport operations.
- ANSI Class 3 Garments: Provide the highest level of visibility, ensuring workers can be seen from all angles and distances. They are especially important for nighttime work and low-light conditions.
- Standards & Compliance: Class 3 apparel design is defined by the ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 standard, which outlines requirements for High Visibility Safety Apparel.
- Winter-Rated Outerwear: ANSI/ISEA-compliant insulated jackets, parkas, and bibs deliver both warmth and visibility.
- Layering With Visibility in Mind: Make sure reflective strips remain uncovered when adding extra layers.
- Accessories: Hi-vis gloves, hats, and gaiters add another layer of safety while keeping workers visible in challenging conditions.
Wearing hi-vis PPE in winter not only improves visibility but also helps prevent accidents caused by reduced reaction times in dark or snowy environments.
Equip Your Team with PIP Cold Climate Protection
At Rodeno Sales Solutions, we partner with Protective Industrial Products (PIP), a global leader in personal protective equipment. Together, we provide distributors and contractors with trusted cold-weather PPE — from insulated gloves to high-visibility winter jackets — designed for safety, comfort, and compliance.
Ready to prepare your workforce for winter?
Click here to Download the PIP Cold Climate Protection Catalog
and explore the latest insulated, hi-vis, and cold-weather PPE solutions.