HOODS OR HATS: WHICH ONE IS SAFER TO WEAR ON A JOBSITE?

One of the greatest debates among cold weather workers is whether to throw up your hood or put on a hat when you need head protection while working in frigid temps.

For safety reasons, some companies are removing hoods from the workplace altogether. Having clear peripheral vision in a fast-paced work environment can make all the difference between having a victorious day on the job or shivering in retreat.

Let’s dive into the pros and cons of headwear options to help you navigate the cold in confidence.

Headwear’s Impact on Workplace Hazards

When you’re working in low temperatures on or around heavy machinery, between aisles stacked high with pallets of product or in low visibility settings, your head needs to be on a swivel. Your and your coworker's safety depends on it.

As if it weren’t already distracting enough to be working in temperatures that could make a grown man cry uncle, forklifts zipping by and full racks make it even harder to see what could be coming your way. If half an inch of your peripheral vision is blocked by a hood, it can impair your reaction time to the point that you’ll be filing a workers comp claim.

Protective Headwear to Keep Your Head in the Game

Regardless of if you’re working indoors or outdoors if the temps are low, head and face coverings are vital to maintaining warmth. Their ability to seal out icy drafts makes them an unsung hero.

Any exposed body parts put you at risk of experiencing cold stress-related injuries like hypothermia and frostbite. A benefit to head and face coverings are that you can shop a variety of options to meet whatever makes doing your job easier without blocking peripheral vision.

In a more active setting, Flex-Wear materials may be more comfortable than a knit or fleece option because of its lightweight, smooth and stretchy feel, like our Flex-Wear Unisex Skull Cap. Balaclavas offer great protection for your head and face because they often offer versatile features like adjustable masks that are easy to pull up or down depending on the conditions you face.

Like most things, even headwear can have its pitfalls. Not all headwear options do the best job of protecting your ears from the cold, and that can be bothersome when you don’t feel like wearing a full ski mask. But at RefrigiWear, we are all about solutions. Headbands that can fit over or under your headwear can do just the trick in eliminating ear exposure.

The plus side to headwear is that it is generally inexpensive to purchase for yourself or even large teams. You can keep several different styles and materials on hand that can be swapped out depending on what the day brings.

Don’t Get HOODwinked

Hoods have one major drawback, and it’s that they limit peripheral vision. When it’s the only protective option you have on hand, it’s convenient to be able to just pull your hood up or down, but with that, you have to take what you can get. Bulkiness can affect maneuverability and without drawstrings, an oversized hood tends to act like horse blinders. You’re clear to see what’s directly ahead, but navigating to see what is otherwise around won’t be as easy.

Is peripheral vision not a concern? If you like hoods, we’ve got gear that’ll keep you covered, too. From industrial-strength hoodies to subzero-rated jackets with detachable hoods, RefrigiWear has the gear you need to get the job done no matter the weather.

Unlike headwear, hoods come with built-in ear protection. No need for additional gear; your ears are snug and shielded from the elements. It's an all-in-one package for those who want their warmth served up without extra fuss.

Making a Clear Choice for Working in the Cold

At RefrigiWear, we've crafted gear that aligns with your needs, whether you're a headwear aficionado or a hood devotee. Our mission is to keep you warm, protected and ready for action.

So, whether you're conquering a construction site or navigating the icy aisles of a cold storage warehouse, gear up and face the cold with confidence. In the cold, there are no shortcuts – only smart choices and when it comes to protective headwear, the decision rests on the specific demands of your job.

Shopping for your team? If you need help selecting the best insulated workwear for your employees, please contact RefrigiWear Customer Service.