Winter can be dangerous for industrial workers who are unprepared. Wearing the right Winter PPE and safety gear is crucial to your safety this winter.
Mannsupply, America's top safety supply company has an inventory of essential for individuals and companies buying bulk winter PPE supplies throughout the USA & Canada.
Winter PPE for Workers During Winter
Most outdoor workers in the United States and Canada rely on Winter PPE to stay safe and productive in freezing conditions, especially in construction, manufacturing plants, and refineries.
Many workers ask what temperature you can legally leave work, and the answer often depends on workplace safety laws highlighting why proper Winter PPE and cold-weather gear are essential to keep teams safe, compliant, and productive during extreme winter conditions.
Typical kits include hi-vis winter jackets, winter gloves, hi-vis fleece-lined jackets, fleece-lined pants, hi-vis fleece-lined coveralls, hi-vis winter coveralls, hi-vis winter overalls, fleece-lined gloves, fleece-lined winter gloves, waterproof winter gloves, freezer jackets, freezer pants, hi-vis winter bibs, head warmers, toques, balaclavas, base layers, thermal wear, and touchscreen gloves.
Durability of materials used in Winter PPE contributes to long-term performance under harsh conditions. High-quality fabrics like GORE-TEX or Thinsulate provide water resistance, breathability, and warmth without excessive weight. This balance improves functionality for physically demanding tasks and extends the service life of insulated work gloves, parkas, and other cold-weather gear.
Benefits Of Winter PPE
Beyond compliance for Cold weather labor laws, using winter PPE enhances health, safety, and productivity during cold weather. These specialized protective cold weather gear offers multiple advantages that address both physical well-being and workplace efficiency.
Prevention Of Cold-Related Injuries
The use of Winter PPE protects against frostbite, hypothermia, and other cold-induced conditions. For example, insulated gloves shield hands from freezing temperatures while maintaining dexterity.
Improved Comfort And Mobility
Ergonomic designs in thermal boots and flexible face coverings ensure comfort without restricting movement. This allows you to perform tasks efficiently in harsh environments.
Compliance With Safety Standards
Wearing OSHA-compliant minimizes liability for employers while ensuring worker safety.
Following ACGIH cold guidelinesreduces the risk of injuries linked to inadequate protection.
Enhanced Material Durability
High-quality materials like Gore-Tex provide water resistance and breathability, keeping you dry in snow or rain while retaining warmth through advanced insulation technologies like Thinsulate
Types Of Winter PPE
Winter Hi vis jackets & High Visibility Parkas
A HiVis (high-visibility) winter jacket forms a critical part of your arsenal. These jackets are designed to keep you visible in low-light conditions typical of winter months, such as early sunsets and frequent storms. Selecting the right HiVis winter jacket involves looking at material composition, safety standards, durability, common colors, and popular brands.
HiVis winter jackets typically incorporate materials that provide both insulation and high visibility. Often made from water-resistant or waterproof fabrics like polyester, they frequently feature a reflective tape that shines brightly even under minimal light. These materials must endure harsh conditions, giving you the reliability you need in winter work environments.
Brands like Carhartt, Caterpillar, and Dickies are known for their robust construction and adherence to safety standards. These brands offer a range of styles and sizes to fit different needs and preferences.
Winter gloves
When transitioning from high-visibility winter jackets to another integral piece of your Winter PPE, consider winter gloves—they play a key role in safety and comfort during cold weather. Just like jackets, gloves require careful selection to ensure protection against cold stress, wind, and other winter-related hazards.
As part of Winter PPE, winter gloves are crafted from leather, synthetic fibers, and waterproof materials. Leather offers excellent durability and wind resistance for harsh conditions. Synthetic options (e.g., polyester or nylon) provide strong insulation at lighter weights. For waterproofing, look for gloves with a waterproof outer shell or a breathable membrane (e.g., GORE-TEX) to keep hands dry in snow or slush while maintaining dexterity.
Hivis Fleeced lined jackets
HiVis fleece-lined jackets are a vital component of your Winter PPE arsenal, providing not only warmth but also essential visibility during the shorter days and stormier conditions of winter months. These jackets combine the protective properties of standard HiVis outerwear with the added insulation of fleece lining.
HiVis fleece-lined jackets typically feature a robust outer shell made from materials like polyester or nylon that resist wind and water, helping maintain comfort and safety in harsh conditions.
The most common colors for these Winter PPE jackets are fluorescent yellow, bright orange, and lime green with shades selected for optimal visibility. Brands like Carhartt, Caterpillar, and Dickies are popular choices known for safety compliance and durable builds, making their jackets ideal for workers who need reliable, visible protection in severe winter environments.
Hivis Fleeced lined pants
HiVis fleeced lined pants offer essential warmth and visibility in harsh winter conditions. Just like the jackets and gloves discussed earlier, these pants are crucial for your safety and comfort during outdoor activities. HiVis fleeced lined pants are designed with both functionality and safety in mind, ensuring that you remain visible in the low-light conditions of winter while staying warm.
Brands like Carhartt, Caterpillar, and Dickies dominate the market for HiVis fleeced lined pants, owing to their reputation for making durable and reliable . These brands ensure that their products not only meet safety certifications but also endure through tough weather conditions, providing value and dependability.
Hivis Fleeced lined coveralls
HiVis fleeced lined coveralls are an essential addition to your winter personal protective equipment (PPE) collection. As the name suggests, these coveralls integrate high-visibility features with fleece lining for comfort and warmth during the coldest months.
These coveralls combine the durability and visibility of traditional HiVis gear with added insulation. The outer material typically consists of polyester or nylon, known for their wind and water resistance. These fabrics ensure the coveralls can endure harsh winter conditions without compromising on comfort.
Colors like fluorescent yellow, vibrant orange, and lime green dominate the color options for these coveralls, making you highly visible against snowy or dim backgrounds. Brands like Carhartt, Caterpillar, and Dickies offer these products, focusing on robust construction and compliance with necessary safety standards.
Hivis winter coveralls
Hi-vis winter coveralls are a crucial part of your Winter PPE, providing comprehensive protection that combines high visibility with essential warmth. When selecting hi-vis winter coveralls, material composition is pivotal for durability and functionality in extreme weather. These garments are typically crafted from strong fabrics like polyester or nylon to resist wind and water.
Key features such as reinforced seams and heavy-duty zippers withstand harsh conditions, reducing wear and tear. Robust construction helps the coveralls hold up to the rigors of winter work.
Color also drives functionality. Common choices for hi-vis coveralls include fluorescent yellow, vibrant orange, and lime green selected to improve visibility in snowy or foggy conditions and support Winter PPE best practices for safety.
Popular brands like Carhartt, Caterpillar, and Dickies offer options that meet diverse needs. Recognized for quality and safety compliance, these brands provide Winter PPE coveralls that help maintain comfort and protection during the coldest months.
Hivis winter overalls
When temperatures plummet, HiVis winter overalls become essential for your safety and comfort in outdoor working environments. Similar to the other HiVis garments discussed, these overalls combine high visibility with formidable protection against the cold, making them a staple in winter personal protective equipment (PPE).
Material Composition and Durability
HiVis winter overalls are typically crafted from durable materials such as polyester or nylon. These fabrics are chosen for their ability to resist wind and water, crucial features that keep you dry and warm. Moreover, manufacturers often reinforce these overalls with robust features like triple-stitched seams and secure closures to enhance durability. This ensures that your overalls withstand the rigors of harsh winter conditions and frequent use.
Popular HiVis winter overall Brands
Choosing a reliable brand can significantly enhance your winter safety gear experience. Brands like Carhartt, Caterpillar, and Dickies are renowned for their commitment to quality and compliance with safety standards. They offer HiVis winter overalls that not only promise
Fleeced lined gloves
When the freezing temperatures strike, fleeced lined gloves become your best ally in maintaining hand warmth and functionality. These gloves incorporate a soft fleece lining that ensures warmth and a soft touch against the skin. Suitable for a wide range of winter activities, from professional duties to leisurely pursuits, these gloves provide both comfort and protection against the cold.
Material and Water Resistance
Fleeced lined gloves are crafted from various materials, including leather and synthetic fibers. These materials not only offer durability but also ensure that the gloves are water resistant, a crucial feature if you're working in snowy or wet conditions. Brands like The North Face and Columbia use advanced water-resistant technologies to keep your hands dry and prevent discomfort or frostbite.
Visibility and Color Options
While typically available in dark colors, many fleeced lined gloves now come in brighter, high-visibility colors like fluorescent yellow or vivid orange. These colors are not just fashionable—they enhance safety by making you more visible in low-light winter environments. This is particularly beneficial if you’re working outdoors or in areas with heavy traffic.
Popular Fleeced lined glove Brands and Recommendations
When selecting fleeced lined gloves, opt for reputable brands that are known for their quality and adherence to safety norms. Carhartt, for example, is renowned for gloves that offer both excellent insulation and durability. Similarly, Caterpillar and Dickies provide options that match rigorous safety standards with comfort, ensuring your hands remain protected throughout the winter months.
Freezer jackets
Freezer jackets are an essential part of Winter PPE that are critical for anyone working in extremely cold conditions, such as walk-in freezers or harsh outdoor winter climates. Their insulation helps maintain core body heat, reducing the risk of hypothermia and other cold-related health issues while keeping workers productive.
Material and Insulation
Freezer jackets typically feature advanced insulation materials, such as polyester fiberfill or down, which trap heat efficiently. The outer layers are usually made of durable fabrics like nylon or polyester that offer excellent wind and water resistance. If optimal warmth is your priority, look for jackets with higher insulation ratings.
Durability Features
Considering durability, freezer jackets are core pieces of Winter PPE that are built to withstand harsh conditions without tearing or wearing down quickly. Features such as reinforced zippers, abrasion-resistant panels, and secure closures ensure the jacket remains functional and protective throughout its use. Seams are typically sealed or double-stitched to prevent wind or moisture penetration, maintaining Winter PPE performance in sub-zero environments.
Hivis winter bibs
HiVis winter bibs are a vital component of winter personal protective equipment (PPE), enhancing safety and comfort in extreme conditions. These bibs are designed to provide you with crucial warmth and visibility, ensuring your safety during long periods outdoors.
HiVis winter bibs are typically crafted from robust materials like polyester or nylon. These fabrics are chosen for their excellent resistance to wind and water, essential during winter storms and cold environments. The durability of these bibs is enhanced by features such as triple-stitched seams and reinforced areas susceptible to wear, such as the knees and seat.
Common Colors and Visibility
Visibility is paramount, particularly in winter when daylight hours are reduced. HiVis winter bibs often come in fluorescent colors like yellow, orange, and green. These colors stand out against snowy backgrounds, making them a preferred choice. The use of reflective tape improves visibility further, crucial for those working near traffic or around heavy machinery.
Head warmers
Head warmers are essential items in your arsenal, especially when dealing with the unforgiving winter elements. These items ensure your head and ears remain protected from severe cold, preventing heat loss and reducing the risk of frostbite.
Types of Head Warmers
- Beanies: These are the most common type of head warmers. Made typically from wool or acrylic, beanies provide insulation while remaining breathable. They often come in various colors such as black, grey, and navy, and are offered by popular brands like Patagonia, The North Face, and Columbia.
- Balaclavas: Offering fuller coverage, balaclavas cover your head, face, and neck, leaving only parts of your face exposed. They are ideal for extreme conditions and are usually made from materials that offer both warmth and moisture-wicking properties.
- Ear Muffs: If you prefer not to cover your entire head, ear muffs are a great option. They focus on protecting your ears, which are highly susceptible to cold. Ear muffs are convenient for those who want less bulk around their heads while staying warm.
Toque
A toque, often known as a knit hat or beanie in other regions, is an indispensable part of your Winter PPE ensemble. This hat provides essential warmth for your head, helping reduce heat loss in cold weather. Brands like Carhartt, Columbia, and The North Face offer reliable winter toques that meet high standards of quality and comfort, with durability and functionality to endure harsh conditions while keeping you warm and visible.Incorporating a toque into your Winter PPE setup adds extra protection against the cold, complementing other Winter PPE such as hi-vis jackets and thermal gloves. Always choose a toque that performs well in winter conditions, supports other safety measures, and fits comfortably under helmets or hard hats when required.
Balaclavas
Balaclavas are an integral part of your Winter PPE, especially when conditions demand full face coverage to guard against frostbite and strong winds. They’re designed to cover the head, face, and neck while leaving an opening for the eyes and sometimes the mouth and nose.
These head warmers are crucial not just for comfort but for safety, too. In professional settings such as construction or road work during winter, Winter PPE balaclavas may need to meet relevant safety standards (e.g., OSHA in the U.S. or Canadian OHS/CSA requirements). Where flame exposure is possible, look for FR-rated options that maintain thermal insulation.
Baselayers
Baselayers are essential components of Winter PPE, acting as the foundation for insulation and moisture management in cold weather. As you suit up for winter, selecting the right baselayers can significantly enhance comfort and protection from harsh elements on the job.
Several Baselayers stand out for high-quality Winter PPE baselayers. Patagonia and Smartwool are well-regarded for sustainable, performance-focused merino wool pieces, while Under Armour and The North Face offer innovative synthetic options suited to a wide range of cold-weather activities.
Top Winter PPE brands
Selecting reliable winter PPE brands ensures durability, comfort, and compliance with safety standards. Trusted manufacturers prioritize materials like Gore-Tex and Thinsulate to provide optimal protection in cold environments.
Carhartt
Carhartt offers durable winter gear, including insulated jackets, thermal gloves, and high-visibility outerwear designed for extreme conditions. Their products focus on ruggedness without sacrificing comfort.
Ergodyne
Ergodyne specializes in ergonomic designs for enhanced mobility during cold-weather tasks. Their thermal winter PPE includes balaclavas, base layers, and gloves with water-resistant properties.
3M
3M winter PPE produces integrating Thinsulate insulation for superior warmth. Their product range includes thermal boots, face coverings, and HiVis jackets suitable for hazardous outdoor environments.
Helly Hansen Workwear
Helly Hansen provides waterproof winter PPE and breathable clothing featuring advanced technologies like Helly Tech fabric. Popular items include insulated bibs and reflective parkas that meet rigorous safety standards.
Milwaukee Tool
Milwaukee Tool combines innovation with practicality through battery-heated jackets and gloves tailored for extended outdoor use in freezing temperatures.
RefrigiWear
RefrigiWear winter PPE focuses on severe cold environments by offering specialized apparel such as freezer suits, insulated hats, and industrial-grade footwear engineered for maximum warmth.
Winter PPE for Oil & Gas workers in Canada
Canada’s oil and gas hubs including operations by Cenovus, Shell Canada, and Imperial Oil demand reliable Winter PPE. In Edmonton, Strathcona County, Lloydminster, and Sturgeon County, crews rely on hi-vis winter jackets for visibility and insulated work gloves for dexterity. Winter PPE along with thermal base layers, waterproof boots, and balaclavas helps prevent frostbite and slips when temperatures fall below freezing. Choosing durable, CSA-compliant gear matched to local wind chill and job tasks keeps teams safe and comfortable across refineries, pipelines, and maintenance yards.
Buy Winter PPE Online
There are numerous benefits to purchasing Winter PPE online. Most people prefer it because you can find a wider range of gear than in a single store, from hi-vis winter jackets to base layers. Shopping online also makes it easy to compare prices and spot the best deals.
For Americans and Canadians, the advantages of buying Winter PPE online outweigh the drawbacks. If you want to save on winter gear without spending hours in stores, online shopping is the way to go.
Before you buy, read product reviews. They’ll tell you how items like insulated work gloves and boots perform for warmth, durability, and fit in real conditions.
With these pointers, you can choose the right Winter PPE from top safety supply websites like MannSupply.com. So, what are you waiting for? Start your shopping today!
Winter PPE – Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Winter PPE and why is it important?
Winter PPE is specialized Personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to keep workers safe, warm, and visible in freezing environments. It helps prevent frostbite, hypothermia, and accidents caused by reduced visibility. In industrial cities like Chicago, Detroit, and Toronto, Winter PPE is critical for construction workers, warehouse staff, and utility crews operating in severe weather.
2. What are the most common types of Winter PPE?
The most common Winter PPE includes: insulated jackets and parkas, hi-vis freezer jackets, hi-vis rain jackets, thermal gloves, Hybrid Lined Goatskin Gloves, hooded neck warmers, hi-vis balaclavas, waterproof insulated boots, hi-vis unlined coveralls, and 3 Finger Linesman Mitts.
3. Who needs Winter PPE the most?
Winter PPE is essential for industries such as construction, transportation, warehousing, and utilities. In cities like Minneapolis, Cleveland, and Winnipeg, outdoor crews face freezing winds and heavy snow, making hi-vis jackets, gloves, and insulated boots non-negotiable.
4. How do I choose the right Winter PPE for my team?
Consider the temperature range, job type, and safety standards. For example: logistics teams in Buffalo often need freezer jackets and insulated boots, construction crews in Chicago prioritize hi-vis parkas with reflective strips, and road maintenance workers in Toronto require hi-vis coveralls and waterproof gloves.
5. Where can I buy Winter PPE in North America?
Winter PPE can be purchased from specialized safety gear suppliers or trusted online stores. Industrial cities like Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Montreal rely on suppliers offering full ranges, from insulated jackets to thermal gloves—to ensure worker safety in extreme cold.
6. Do I need hi-vis Winter PPE?
Yes. Hi-vis Winter PPE is vital in low-light, snowy, or high-traffic environments. Reflective strips on hi-vis freezer jackets, coveralls, and balaclavas ensure workers remain visible in cities like Toronto and Minneapolis, where snowstorms and long winter nights reduce visibility.
7. How long does Winter PPE last?
With proper care, Winter PPE lasts two to four years depending on usage. Heavy-duty gear like Hybrid Lined Goatskin Gloves and insulated parkas withstand rugged environments in Cleveland or Detroit, while lighter gear may wear faster under daily industrial use.
8. What features should I look for in quality Winter PPE?
Key features include insulation for warmth, water resistance for snow and slush, reflective strips and hi-vis colors for visibility, and durable fabrics such as polyester-cotton blends. In Buffalo and Toronto, waterproof insulated boots and storm-flap parkas are especially important.
9. Can Winter PPE be customized for company branding?
Yes. Mannsupply supply offers Winter PPE with custom logos or colors. For example, construction companies in Chicago often order branded hi-vis jackets and coveralls to enhance both safety and team identity.
10. How do I maintain Winter PPE for longer use?
Follow proper care instructions: wash hi-vis fabrics in cold water to preserve reflective elements, dry insulated jackets on low heat to protect padding, and treat leather gloves with conditioner.
11: What PPE is needed for cold weather?
Cold weather PPE typically includes insulated jackets, hi-vis lined bib overalls, thermal gloves, insulated boots with slip resistance, and face protection such as balaclavas or thermal liners. Layering is also key, with moisture-wicking base layers to keep workers dry.
12: What does OSHA recommend wearing for cold weather?
OSHA advises workers to wear insulated, windproof, and waterproof outer layers; insulated gloves and boots; and head and face coverings to reduce exposure to wind chill. Reflective winter PPE is recommended for visibility in low-light or snowy conditions.
13: Are winter gloves PPE?
Yes, winter gloves are considered PPE when they protect against hazards such as frostbite, wind chill, or cold-related injuries. OSHA recognizes thermal and insulated gloves as essential PPE in cold environments.
14: What are the winter safety essentials?
Winter safety essentials go beyond PPE. They include insulated clothing, slip-resistant footwear, safety signage for icy areas, portable heating solutions, emergency kits, and clear communication tools like labels and reflective safety signs to guide workers during storms or low visibility.
15: What PPE is required for dry ice OSHA?
OSHA requires PPE when handling dry ice, including insulated cryogenic gloves (not tight-fitting), safety goggles or face shields, long sleeves, and aprons or lab coats to prevent skin contact. Since dry ice releases carbon dioxide, proper ventilation and CO₂ monitoring are also critical.