HOW TO STAY WARM WHEN WORKING WITH PRODUCE

Fresh fruits and vegetables need to be processed, stored and shipped at cooler temperatures to prevent them from going bad before they hit the dinner table. When you work with fresh produce, you need to stay protected from the cool temperatures, but you also must be able to get the job done efficiently.

Here are 3 important things to consider when you select insulated workwear to help you get the job done:

Temperature

The temps aren’t subzero, but that doesn’t mean the cold isn’t still a threat. Without the proper protection, you can experience fatigue, confusion, hypothermia – even frostbite!

If you live somewhere that is typically warm and the cool temps you work in really get to you, you may choose stronger protection than others to stay warm. Pairing our tough, iconic and super warm Iron-Tuff Bib Overalls, rated to -50°F, with a sweatshirt like our Thermal Lined Sweatshirt (which is thicker and warmer than a box-store hoodie) will keep you protected and productive – and keep you from getting chilled to the bone.

If the cold bothers you, but not enough to need subzero-rated gear, our Cooler Wear line is rated to 10°F while still offering lightweight protection and lasting durability. The Cooler Wear Jacket keeps you protected without weighing you down. Choose the Cooler Wear Bib Overalls if you want added core protection along with lower body warmth. Just need some warmth for your core? The Cooler Wear Vest has a great fit and an extended back for more protection.

If you move around frequently and worry about overheating, our 15°F rated Econo-Tuff line is a solid choice. The Econo-Tuff Jacket is tough, lightweight and built for hard work. Looking for extended protection? The Econo-Tuff Frock Liner is the perfect protection for under lab coats and frocks, with slits on the sides to access your pants’ pockets. To protect your core and lower body at the same time, the Econo-Tuff High Bib Overalls get the job done.

If you live for the cold and only need light protection, put RefrigiWear sweats and fleece to the test. The Frostline Sweatshirt has three layers of protection and abrasion-resistant panels to handle the toughest jobs.

Don’t forget to protect your head and ears from the cold with a knit cap or a headband.

Safety Concerns

When you’re working with fresh produce, you have more safety concerns than just staying warm.

Non-Slip Work Boots

You’re on your feet all shift, on floors that can be slick from water. You need non-slip boots designed for cold conditions – and off-the-counter work boots aren’t. All RefrigiWear work boots have non-slip outsoles designed not to crack in cold temps. Our boots also fight against injury and moisture thanks to our exclusive VitaComfort® system.

Cut Resistant Gloves

Protect your hands from the hazards of the job with ANSI-certified cut resistant gloves. In addition to be being cut resistant, many of these work gloves also have a coating for added grip.

Guard Against Moisture

Moisture in the air and on the product can seep into your clothes and bring a chill that you just can’t shake. Moisture is the enemy of warmth, so you need protection from wetness as well as cold.

Most of RefrigiWear gear is water-repellent, so if the moisture isn’t too bad, you won’t need added protection beyond that. Our Softshell Collection features a range of choices that offer warmth and water-repellent protection, such as our Insulated Softshell Jacket and Pants, both rated to -20°F. Dealing with very wet conditions? You’ll need to upgrade to waterproof gear like the Mid-Weight Rainwear Set which can easily be slipped on over gear to provide an additional layer of warmth as well as protection from wet and messy work. Our selection of dipped and coated work gloves offer great grip and waterproof protection on the dipped areas of the glove.

Moisture that forms inside your gear can cool you down, too. You must keep sweat from building up on your to stay warm. Our Lightweight Base Layers have moisture-wicking fabric to keep sweat off your skin and the chill out of your bones.

Balancing Warmth & Mobility

Workers in produce manufacturing need durable, insulated and moisture-resistant gear to stay warm and comfortable in chilly indoor environments. To stay safe and productive, especially during peak seasons, workwear should balance warmth and mobility. Jackets like the Iron-Tuff^® Polar Jacket do just that by packing 11.25 oz. of RefrigiFill^™ polyester insulation but remains lightweight. The Stretch Glove Liner and Knit Neck Gaiter are both cost-effective accessories that offer protection from cooler temps, but don't hinder your ability to move around and work productively like other bulky gloves and headwear do.

Explore Insulated Clothing & Freezerwear

At the end of the day, staying warm and protected comes down to you. Whether you're on a lift, in production, or re-packing produce, the right protection means better performance.

Shopping for a Team?

If you need help selecting PPE or insulated workwear for your employees, please contact RefrigiWear Customer Service.