As the nights draw in and the summer comes to a close, the days become noticeably shorter. This can mean several things. First, that it’s autumn once again. Second, that workers on outdoor sites are exposed to the greater risks that darker mornings and evenings bring. It also means that temperatures drop, and the cold weather can also cause a number of issues.
All of the above means it becomes much more important to ensure that you have the right workwear and PPE for the season. But what does that mean in practice? Below we’ll outline why autumn conditions pose more of a risk and show you how to choose five types of essential workwear that can help to minimise risk and see you safely through until winter and beyond.
1. Improve visibility with hi-vis workwear
Shorter days mean the average workday tends to both start and finish in the dark. Depending on your working environment that can mean that being visible is more important than it would be in the lighter and brighter days of summer. Of course, there are some workplaces and working environments where hi-vis clothing is both essential and a legal requirement, such as working around moving vehicles or machinery. However, the benefits of hi-vis extend to a huge array of other jobs and work environments.
There is a big range of hi-vis clothing including vests, pants, and jackets which will make you more visible on the roads, in the warehouse and anywhere where lighting conditions are not optimal. Hi-vis workwear can even be worn on the way to and from work, if you’re planning on walking, running, or cycling.
2. Keep warm on the job with layering
Temperatures can really drop in the autumn, caused by a shift in the seasons and because there are far fewer hours of sunlight. So, staying warm becomes far more important. The best way to do this is by layering up. Big and bulky coast offer a lot of insulation, but they can also be restrictive and limit range of movement. Using more layers of thinner, but specially designed workwear can help you to keep warm. And this also gives you more control over your body temperature, as you can add or remove extra layers as needed.
Layering should start with a vest or t-shirt (tights or thermals can be worn if it’s really cold), and then add long sleeves in the form of fleece jumpers, pullovers, and hoodies. Finally, finish it off with a top layer that is both wind and water-resistant to provide maximum protection against the elements. It’s also important not to forget about keeping extremities and exposed areas warm by using turtlenecks and beanies. These wardrobe essentials will keep you comfy and toasty, even on the coldest mornings or evenings.
3. Keep the elements out with wind and water-resistant top layers
As we mentioned above, any top layer of autumn workwear should ideally be both wind and waterproof, especially if you are working outside. There are few things worse than getting soaked by even a quick rain shower and then spending the rest of the day wet to the bone. And once you’re cold and wet it can take a long time to get warm and dry again. A water-resistant puffer or outer layer offers year-round functionality, offering protection against rain and wind at any time of year, but is especially useful in autumn and winter. A waterproof hi-vis jacket or coveralls can be especially useful items of workwear when the weather takes a turn for the worse, offering more complete coverage.
4. Toasty hands and feet with gloves, socks, and boots
It’s very important to keep your central core warm, using layering and appropriate workwear but you should never forget about the extremities and parts of the body that don’t benefit from good blood flow. Primarily this includes your hands, feet and top of your head. Once your hands get cold on site it can reduce functionality and enhance the risk of an accident, so a good quality pair of workwear gloves is essential.
Likewise, cold feet can be a real source of pain and discomfort at work so think about teaming wool socks with a good quality pair of work or hiking boots to keep your toes nice and warm. Don’t forget other areas where the cold and wet can get in, such as your head and face, and arm yourself with beanies, snoods, and scarfs to ensure there are no weak spots in your workwear armour.
5. No sweat with breathable layers
Ensure that any layers in contact with the skin are designed with wicking capability to draw sweat away from the body and that all layers are breathable to let moisture out. If you’re working up a sweat on site and there’s nowhere for the moisture to go, you’ll soon find yourself with a layer of damp clothing which will be very hard to dry and will soon start to feel cold and uncomfortable. So, try and buy clothing layers that are designed as workwear as these will feature wicking, breathable membranes, and other clothing technology to help you stay warm and dry, both inside and out.
Ensure your workwear wardrobe is kitted out with the above five essentials and you’ll find that the transition from the hazy days of summer to the darker and cooler autumn is much more manageable, even if you are working outside.
About the Author
Nick Warrick
Nick Warrick is the Sales Manager at All Seasons Uniforms. With over 15 years of experience in the work uniform business, he has worked with hundreds of clients across 20 different industries. Holding bachelor’s degrees in both Business Administration and Information Technology, Nick revamped the company’s online presence, offering its customers a new uniform shopping experience.