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- TEMPERATURE CONTROL UNDER FSMA
- BEST HIGH-VISIBILITY JACKETS FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKERS
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- TOWER CLIMBER'S GUIDE TO WORKING OUTSIDE IN WINTER
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- QUALITY WON'T BE COMPROMISED
- WHY IRON-TUFF IS THE MOST ICONIC COLD WEATHER CLOTHING
- WHY ALL WORKERS NEED HIGH-VISIBILITY WORKWEAR
- HOW TO SAFE IN LOW VISIBILITY & HIGH TRAFFIC CONDITIONS
- THE REAL COST OF HIGH EMPLOYEE TURNOVER
- HOW DOES PPE AFFECT YOUR BOTTOM LINE?
- MEDICAL COSTS OF PREVENTABLE INJURIES
- HOW TO STAY SAFE IN CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION
- Use & Care
HOW TO STAY SAFE & WARM WORKING IN CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION
Concrete construction work ain’t for the faint of heart. Your eyes, skin and respiratory system are constantly irritated by the silica in cement dust. You body is sore from holding awkward postures to pump concrete. And, it’s pretty likely that you’ve experienced a few chemical burns from wet concrete or slips, trips and falls walking across rebar.
Even cold weather can become hazardous without the right gear. But the true concrete pros know how to stay warm, stay safe and get the job done.
Finding the right gear to stay safe and warm on the job is easy with help from RefrigiWear. Insulated workwear from RefrigiWear keeps concrete construction workers safe on the job with high-visibility insulated clothing, impact-resistant and cut-resistant gloves, specialized footwear, headwear, and additional safety gear.
Choosing the right gear for the job will keep you going when conditions get tough. Read on for tips on how to find the best insulated workwear to stay safe and warm when you’re working with concrete.
Best Clothing for Concrete Construction in Cold Weather
High-visibility (HiVis) work clothes with bright colors and reflective tape will help you meet dress code requirements and keep you visible on busy job sites.
Look for HiVis clothing that can insulate your skin from contact with cement dust. Look for jackets with a durable outershell and snug fit cuffs that can fit over or under your gloves to seal out dust particles.
Weatherproof jackets, bib overalls or coveralls protect you from overspray as you’re washing equipment, so you stay warm, dry and comfortable. The RefrigiWear® HiVis 3-in-1 Rainwear Jacket is a great fit for concrete workers because it’s fully waterproof and you can add or remove the inner jacket to suit the temperature on your job site.
The outer jacket features a 100% polyester waterproof outershell with 2" reflective tape for enhanced visibility that meets ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 - Type R, Class 3 and CSA Z96 - Class 3, Level 2 standards. The inner jacket delivers 120g diamond-quilted insulation, knit cuffs and a stand-up collar for comfortable warmth. Combine the outer and inner jackets for protection from cold winter conditions down to 10°F. With the HiVis 3-in-1 Rainwear Jacket, concrete professionals get warmth, safety and protection on the job.
Another good high-visibility jacket for concrete construction workers is the HiVis Softshell Jacket, available in HiVis Lime or HiVis Orange to meet the safety and color requirements on your job site. When the weather turns chilly, add the HiVis Crewneck Sweatshirt for extra warmth.
Best Insulated Gloves for Concrete Workers
With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting over 238,000 workplace injuries to hands during 2021 to 2022, choosing the right glove matters.
Not only is handwear an important piece of PPE, but OSHA 1910.138(a) requires employees to use hand protection when they’re exposed to hazards in the on the job, such as those from skin absorption of harmful substances like silica and concrete dust, severe cuts or lacerations, severe abrasions, punctures, chemical burns, thermal burns, and harmful temperature extremes.
Impact-resistant gloves, such as the HiVis Insulated Impact Pro Glove, protect your fingers and hands from bangs or pinches from tools and equipment.
Cut-resistant gloves, such as the insulated Extreme Ultra Grip Glove, guard against scrapes, cuts and punctures from rebar or sharp edges on supplies and equipment.
ANSI sets standards for protective gloves to help you select the best gloves for concrete workers. But, remember to consider your glove fit and grip, as well. Gloves with a pre-curved, ergonomic fit make it easier to hold on to screeds, floats and trowels without hand fatigue. Work gloves with enhanced grip patterns amplify your natural grip strength, so it’s easier to carry supplies, handle tools and operate equipment.
Best Boots for Cold Weather Construction Workers
Working in concrete construction, you’ve got to stay protected and comfortable from head to toe. RefrigiWear insulated work boots are designed for maximum comfort, durability, safety and warmth when you really need it. Our work boots feature slip-resistant outsoles to prevent slips, trips and falls. RefrigiWear thermal work boots include ankle support and the VitaComfort® moisture management system to keep feet supported, dry and comfortable, reducing foot fatigue on long shifts.
Whether you need waterproof boots, safety toe boots or a puncture-resistant sole plate to guard against rebar punctures, you can rely on RefrigiWear to have exactly the footwear you need. For flat work, the slip-resistant and waterproof PolarForce® Max Boot is a great choice for working in cold weather, while the uninsulated EnduraMax™ Processing Boot features chemical-resistant material, a puncture-resistant sole plate and steel toe perfect for working in warmer weather.
Beanies and Masks for Concrete Workers
While hardhats are the first line of protection for your head, your face, ears and neck need protection, too. RefrigiWear’s specially-fitted hard hat balaclavas are compatible with most hard hats and safety helmets to keep you warm.
Thermal masks, balaclavas, caps and headbands also provide warmth and protection coverage for your ears, neck and face. These types of thermal headwear are usually made from flexible materials that can also fit around your N-, P-, or R-95 respirator to minimize contact with cement dust while also providing warmth.
And don’t forget to guard against the wind and sun – gaiters can provide coverage and protection for your neck, too.
More Safety Gear for Concrete Construction
Before you head off to work, make sure you’ve got all the safety gear you need. Safety vests provide an extra layer of visibility and won’t weigh you down. Safety glasses are important for protection against dust and fog conditions, while back braces can prevent awkward postures and injuries from improper lifting.
Stay Protected, Stay Productive
Wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment, such as HiVis garments, gloves, boots and headwear helps you stay safe among the daily hazards of working in concrete construction. Staying protected from hazards like eye, skin and respiratory irritation, overexertion and muscle fatigue, chemical burns, slips, trips, falls and hazards of working in the cold is easy when you have the right gear.
Shop high-visibility gear for concrete crews and request a business account for access to special pricing and more benefits for RefrigiWear business customers.