The presents are unwrapped, the new year rung in and now it’s just two to three months of cold, wet and relentless winter weather. Work is still there waiting in temperatures at freezing or dipping below 0° Fahrenheit.

According to the United States Department of Labor, the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) of 1970, doesn’t have a specific standard that covers working in cold environments however, OSHA requires employers to comply with hazard-specific safety and health standards. Essentially employers have a duty to protect workers from recognized hazards, including cold stress hazards, that cause or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm in the workplace.

OSHA states that employers have a duty to train their cold weather workers in the following:

1. How to recognize conditions that can lead to cold stress.
2. How to recognize and prevent cold stress in themselves and coworkers.
3. How to select proper clothing for cold, wet, and windy conditions.

BlackHawk Industrial Supply offers some of the best cold weather gear on the market and can help you select the appropriate jackets, gloves, hats and boots. We have thousands of cold weather protection items on our website. Here are a few items to help ensure that you stay safe and warm on the job this winter:

• Milwaukee® M12™ Heated Hoodie Kit - Powered by M12™ REDLITHIUM™ Battery Technology, Milwaukee® M12™ Heated Hoodies use carbon fiber heating elements to create and distribute heat to the chest and back for up to six hours. The waffle weave thermal lining traps heat and is washer and dryer safe.
• PIP® 323-1370B-LY Hooded Sweatshirt - A water repellent shell and polyester fleece lining make this hooded sweatshirt invaluable during cold wet weather. The ANSI Class III zip front hoodie also features a hand warmer pocket.
• Memphis 3601KXL Premium Grade Drivers Gloves – An excellent choice for those who work in cold storage or cold weather. These premium grade goatskin leather gloves feature the strongest tensile strength and excellent tactile sensitivity, providing both flexibility and comfort.
• Jackson Safety 14499 325 Ultra Winter Liner – This cotton/fleece liner covers the head, ears, face and neck. It can also be worn over hearing products.
• PIP® 399-HEATPACK Hand Warmer Heat Pack – These hand warmer heat packs take five minutes to reach full temperature and generate over eight hours of warmth.
• River City PBP1209 Flexible Knee Boots – This over the sock style boot features a polyester lining for comfort and ease of use. The 100% waterproof boot has a cleated traction grip sole for excellent grip and slip resistance.

In addition to selecting the proper clothing, OSHA directives state that employers:

• Monitor workers’ physical condition.
• Schedule frequent short breaks in warm dry areas.
• Schedule work during the warmest part of the day.
• Use the buddy system (work in pairs).
• Provide warm, sweet beverages, avoiding drinks with alcohol.
• Provide engineering controls such as radiant heaters.

Staying warm and safe in cold weather is a group effort that takes time and investment. BlackHawk Industrial Supply works hard to bring you the right products for your winter safety program.

Please see all of our Safety Clothing and Workwear on our website. Our trained professionals at BlackHawk Industrial are happy to help you with any of your cold weather gear questions. We welcome you to contact us here:  https://www.bhid.com/ContactUs or call us TOLL FREE at (855) 610-1001.