HOW TO STAY WARM AND PRODUCTIVE IN A COLD STORAGE FREEZER

When you’re working in a frozen cold storage environment, staying warm is not just about comfort, but also about survival. If you are one of those tough order selectors, you know the real struggle of navigating frosty aisles. You need gear that’s got your back, literally, to keep you warm and keep your productivity goals from taking a dip.

Bulkier is Not Always Better

Let’s talk about the elephant in the ice box - bulky gear. Yes, bulk usually means warmth and that’s what you need when you’re working in a cold storage tundra, but we’ve never seen anyone walking around looking like the Michelin Man and dominating daily productivity goals.

Bulky insulated workwear can hinder your movement and weigh you down. That’s why you need gear that offers warmth without the weight. AirBlaze® Insulation is unique in the sense that it can keep workers warm in the lowest negative degree temperatures with 40% less weight compared to standard insulations.

Our Extreme Hooded Jacket, Glacier Max™ Puffer Jacket and Frostline Collection, all include AirBlaze® Insulation and are comfort-rated to keep you moving freely in temperatures between -60°F and -20°F.

Become a Layer Slayer

If you’re an order selector, there’s a chance that you’ll need to be moving between a freezer, cooler or even ambient work locations. The sudden drastic changes in temperature can take a toll on the body by causing you to sweat if you are only dressed for the coldest temperatures. And if you did not already know, sweating can occur in the cold and makes it even harder to continue maintaining warmth. That’s why dressing in layers can have its upsides.

Base layers are lightweight undergarments that can up the comfort rating of your gear anywhere from 4°F to 15°F. If you also require a mid-layer, RefrigiWear offers a variety of Sweats and Fleece options that do more than just your average zip-up or hoodie. You’ll find options with water-repellent perks like the PolarForce® Hybrid Fleece Jacket or the Extreme Hybrid Sweatshirt with Performance-Flex at the elbows to help extend your range of motion despite wearing insulated clothing.

More Hustle, Less Insulation

Despite what the thermometer in the freezer may be reading, if your order selecting job has you in constant motion, dressing to the exact temperature in the freezer may cause you to overheat.

We love to see you working at 150% of company production goals, but not to the detriment of your health. If the temperature reads -20°F, try dressing in RefrigiWear gear comfort rated to 0°F to see if that gets the job done. Everyone handles the cold differently for many other reasons including time spent in the cold, experience working in the cold and health factors that contribute to your ability to maintain warmth.

Building a Cold Barrier

Heat loss in the cold can occur in 5 major ways, but one that is largely important to keep in mind when you are coming into direct contact with frozen products or surfaces like concrete floors is heat loss through conduction.

The effects of direct contact with cold products can sneak up on you. Your gear needs to be more than a cozy cocoon; it should be a barrier against the icy touch of frozen goods.

Your gloves need a few features to keep you protected from all aspects of the job without your performance dipping. First, insulation to protect against the cold temps—both the air and the cold product. You also want grip and dexterity, so you can grab the product without issue. Our Knit Gloves and Performance Gloves have a range of options in different comfort ratings to help you get to work without worrying. Options like our Dual-Layer Herringbone Grip gloves paired with a liner give you warmth and grip.

You want work boots that won't crack under the pressure—literally. Off-the-rack work boots are not specifically designed to be worn on freezer floors. Our footwear has specially designed soles that can handle the temps. Plus, our exclusive VitaComfort® system keeps your feet dry and protects against impact injury. Our PolarForce® Hiker and Tungsten Hiker are great choices for order selectors working in a freezer because they are warm but lighter than other insulated boots, so you won't get tired feet as quickly. Moisture-wicking socks with special construction that includes breathable vents, such as our PolarForce® Sock, will act as an additional layer to help keep your feet protected, dry and comfortable.

Ultimately, it comes down to personal comfort on what degree of insulated workwear will work best for you because everyone feels cold differently. But the temperature, how much body heat you generate, how much you encounter the cold, how much you sweat, and how restricted you feel are all considerations to make when choosing your gear to work in a freezer as an Order Selector.

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