Protect Your Hands This Winter
Extreme weather conditions can add to potential workplace hazards. During winter, the dangerous combination of low temperatures and high wind speeds flags the risk of cold stress. Here are some useful tips on safeguarding your hands in the cold weather.
Safeguard Your Hands in the Cold Weather
Extreme weather conditions can lead to hand injuries during the winter months. The combination of low temperatures and high wind speeds increases the danger of cold stress—a serious hazard that can lead to frostbite, hypothermia, and other health risks.
What is Cold Stress?
Cold stress occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, according to Princeton University’s EHS report. High wind speeds further accelerate heat loss, making it more challenging for workers to stay warm and safe. Common forms of cold stress include:
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Frostbite: damage to the skin and tissue caused by freezing.
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Hypothermia: a dangerous drop in body temperature, which can be life-threatening.
The Role of PPE in Winter Safety
Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential for reducing the risks of cold stress. Covering all exposed skin and wearing layers are vital for workers exposed to extreme cold.
Here are a few good reasons why wearing the correct PPE gloves will help to safeguard your hands in the winter:
1. Thermal Insulation
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PPE, like insulated gloves, helps maintain hand warmth by reducing heat loss and preventing cold-related injuries such as frostbite or hypothermia.
2. Protection Against Cold-Weather Hazards
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Gloves can shield your hands from exposure to wind, moisture, and snow, which can intensify the effects of the cold.
3. Improved Grip and Dexterity
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Specialised gloves provide a secure grip in wet or icy conditions, reducing the risk of accidents and maintaining precision in tasks requiring fine motor skills.
4. Prevention of Cold Stress Injuries
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Prolonged exposure to the cold can lead to numbness, reduced blood circulation, and long-term nerve damage. PPE helps mitigate these risks by providing consistent protection.
5. Compliance with Safety Standards
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Cold-weather PPE is designed to meet industry-specific standards, ensuring workers are equipped with appropriate protection in extreme environments like construction, outdoor logistics, or oil and gas operations.
6. Enhanced Comfort for Productivity
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Comfortable hands are crucial for maintaining focus and efficiency. Gloves that fit well and provide warmth allow workers to stay productive without discomfort or distraction.
7. Barrier Against Mechanical Hazards
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Many winter gloves also offer protection from abrasions, cuts, and impacts, making them multifunctional for environments with combined risks.
By choosing the right PPE for cold weather—such as gloves with proper insulation, water resistance, and flexibility—workers can safeguard their hands against environmental and occupational hazards while maintaining optimal performance.
Protecting Hands in Cold Weather
Hands are a worker's most valuable tools—protecting them from frostbite is crucial. Choosing the suitable winter gloves involves finding a balance between:
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Protection from cold and other hazards.
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Flexibility to move freely while working.
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Comfort and dexterity for maximum efficiency in low temperatures.
What to Look For in Winter Gloves:
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Winter lining for insulation in low temperatures.
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Moisture-wicking fabric to keep hands dry.
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Added features like cut resistance, impact protection, grip coating, or chemical protection, depending on the job.
Need help finding the right winter gloves? Talk with one of our experts.
Layer Up! Not Just for Your Body
Layering isn’t just for clothing—it applies to gloves too. Liner gloves can be worn under work gloves for added insulation, perfect for extreme cold. They provide flexibility while keeping your hands warm.
Granberg’s Winter Gloves: Safety & Comfort Combined
Here at Granberg, we have a wide selection of winter gloves tested under the European Standard EN 511. Our gloves are designed to work even for the most dangerous jobs—brave workers who do not get days off for snow. Many of our winter gloves come equipped with a Protex™ Membrane, making them:
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Windproof and waterproof.
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Breathable to allow perspiration to escape, keeping hands dry and comfortable for long shifts.