Autumn Protective Gear Essentials: Staying Warm & Safe

Cool weather is a welcome relief after the heat of summer, but seasonal changes come with their own challenges.

Working outdoors during the fall means dealing with unpredictable changes in temperature and visibility dangers as the days grow shorter. It always pays to be prepared for changing work conditions; having the right gear is essential.

Below, we cover the challenges you can expect to encounter with changing weather and how to protect yourself and your crew. At the end, we include our recommendations for the best protective gear to layer up with this fall to keep you both comfortable and safe.


Photo credit: Doug Allan

 

Safety Tips for Changing Weather

Whether you work in the field or on the road, safety is of the utmost importance. Certain aspects of worksite safety are obvious, such as staying hydrated in the heat of summer and keeping warm in winter. But fall is a time of change and you can’t always predict what each workday will bring.

Here are some safety tips to put into practice this fall:

  • Be aware of poor visibility. Falling leaves, rain, and fog can obscure vision on roadways; be extra cautious when working near a busy road or when operating machinery in the field.
  • Protect your eyes from changing light. During the fall, sunrise occurs later in the morning and sunset comes earlier in the evening. Wear protective eyewear when the sun is at its brightest. HexArmor Anti-Fog Safety Glasses are a great choice because they feature LTX transition lens technology to maintain optimal clarity in all conditions.
  • Keep an eye out for ice and frost. Early fall weather is usually fairly mild, but nights and early mornings can be chilly as the season goes on. Keep an eye out for ice and frost on cooler days.
  • Take frequent breaks in cold weather. When the weather is particularly chill, take frequent breaks in a warm, protected area.
  • Watch for signs of cold stress. Cold stress happens when the skin temperature drops, lowering the internal body temperature and canceling out the body’s ability to warm itself. Signs include shivering, numbness, chattering teeth, loss of coordination, and disorientation. Wear proper gear and schedule warm-up breaks to prevent it.
  • Warm up your equipment. If the day feels cold to you, chances are that your equipment is cold, too. Warm up your equipment before use to avoid damage.
  • Review your worksite every day. As the seasons change, so, too, can the conditions in your worksite. Review the site at the start of each day to identify and deal with any new hazards.

In addition to following these basic safety tips, it is important you equip yourself for autumn conditions with the proper protective gear. Below is a list of our recommendations.

Essential Gear for Autumn Conditions

Fall is that in-between time of year when the heat of summer starts to dissipate and the chill of winter starts sneaking in. Temperatures can change dramatically from one day to the next, and shorter days mean that the end of your shift could get chilly.

Safety Outerwear

No matter the temperature or weather conditions, safety is your highest priority. High-visibility outerwear is perfect for layering and is weather-resistant, durable, and comfortable.

High-Visibility Protective Vests

When working around moving vehicles or equipment, visibility is essential. The right high-visibility vest makes for a perfect second layer that can be worn over your everyday work apparel.

Safety Work Gloves

Protect your hands from the hazards of the workplace —both indoors and out — with the right  safety gloves. Choose warm weather gloves for mild weather and insulated gloves for cooler days.

Protective Eyewear

Vision protection never goes out of season. Choose from a wide range of protective glasses and eye shields according to your work conditions.

Fall weather can be unpredictable. One day it might be perfectly sunny and warm while the next day you find yourself in the middle of a downpour. Do yourself and your work crew a favor by layering up appropriately with the protective gear recommended above.

While cool weather is a welcome relief after summer heat, fall brings unpredictable temperatures and decreased visibility. Stay warm (and safe) with these tips.