The challenges of working in extreme cold conditions are many and varied. When facing extreme cold, our bodies are programmed to keep the core warm at the cost of the extremities by constricting blood supply to limbs and digits. In almost continual contact with cold ground surfaces and potentially ice, workers’ feet are in need of particular attention when it comes to protection against extreme cold working conditions.
As we face the arrival of wetter and colder conditions over the winter season, those with responsibility for ensuring the health and safety of employees who work predominantly outdoors should start thinking now about the protective clothing and footwear their workforce will need.
Footwear that protects against the cold and wet
Anyone working outdoors in the autumn and winter and whose job involves them being on their feet for some, if not all, of their working day, will need footwear that protects against both wet and cold conditions. That footwear also needs to be extremely comfortable and hardwearing if it is to last beyond one season.
Footwear should be sturdy, waterproof and easy to wear; this way you’ll know that comfort (or lack of it) won’t be one thing that’s causing difficulties in getting the job done.
For protection from temperature extremes look for boots that have composite safety toe caps and composite pierce-resistant midsoles. Unlike steel, which is a thermal conductor and tends to transfer the outside conditions to the wearer, the composite material has thermal insulating properties, which help to create a thermal micro-climate within the boot.
Contego Safety Solutions’ own WEARMASTER® waterproof boots, for example, feature a comfort padded moisture management lining and a waterproof lining. Meanwhile, the WEARMASTER® Colorado safety boot, as well as being fitted with a quality breathable waterproof lining, boasts generous padding giving thermal protection and additional comfort, and is made from top quality, full-grain leather. It also comes with a durable, nitrile rubber HRO sole unit and a high comfort polyurethane footbed.
Thermal socks to support safety shoes
To give workers the ultimate in protective footwear it is also important to pair boots with socks that are designed to protect against cold and wet conditions. Thermal socks, that are designed with supportive zones to complement safety footwear, will provide a level of comfort all of their own.
Our thermal long socks, for example, keep feet warm and dry thanks to a combination of virgin wool and ProCool technology. Meanwhile, the three-pack of work socks comes with cushioned soles and durable reinforced heel and toe areas, making them perfect for use with comfortable safety footwear.
Keep feet comfortable this winter
Ensure that no-one in your workforce gets cold feet this winter by purchasing the best combination of comfortable and robust footwear.
As well as footwear from our own WEARMASTER® range, Contego’s footwear range includes brands such as Dr Martens, Bata and Caterpillar, and the Hydrus Gore-Tex® Boot featuring a Gore-Tex® waterproof, breathable lining.
Discover Contego’s range of fashionable, comfortable and protective footwear, clothing and PPE – download the Contego Catalogue now or contact our friendly team on 0800 122 3323 or sales@contegosafety.co.uk for advice on protective footwear for winter working.
