The temperatures and weather conditions that hit the Midwest and most of the U.S. the last couple of days have been brutal. The record setting temperatures caused many states to issue disaster warnings, close schools, offices, and major roadways. This uniform rental company, however, stayed operating, as did most of our customers.
Thankfully, our Team Members and Fleet had minimal issues, besides having to go outside. While the world of “Chiberia” may be gone, for now at least, here are some important tips to follow to stay safe in that kind of extreme cold:
- Properly layer – the layer closest to your skin should be a wool or synthetic material. All of our Route Service Representatives at the uniform rental company wore this underneath. It is a polyester blend that absorbs moisture, something cotton cannot. Even the next layer should be a sweater or fleece, followed by a waterproof and or insulated coat. Roscoe has a great collection of parkas, work jackets and other insulated outerwear available for direct purchase. Check it out here.
- Leave faucets slightly on and the thermostat at the same temperature to prevent pipes from freezing and breaking.
- Make sure your vehicle has sufficient levels of antifreeze, brake fluid and oil and that hazard lights, heater, defroster, and tires are in good working condition.
- Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Instead, consider adding mats to your business. A properly installed mat system should get 100% of the dirt and snow coming through your door. Scraper and super bristle mats are great for entryways because the heavy durable rubber and bristles stop and grab any dirt, mud, snow, water and debris from boots and shoes. The Chicago mat company has a wide array of mats in varied sizes and colors.
- Learn the sign and symptoms of cold-induced illnesses and injuries and the steps to take.
- Hypothermia: confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering
- Frostbite: numbness, flushed gray, white, blue or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, or waxy feeling skin
- Recognize the environmental and workplace conditions that may be dangerous. If you have workers in hazardous areas, or that become hazardous because of weather conditions, equip them with high or enhanced visibility clothing, like shirts, safety vest, pants and outerwear. Check out the garments the Chicago uniform company has for rental.
OSHA gives other great tips to protect your workers in cold environments. Government agency FEMA also has preparedness tips for before, during and after winter storms and extreme cold.
We hope everyone stayed safe and warm and that the next time we are hit with such frigid weather us, our homes and workplaces will be even more prepared.
Contact us to learn more about Roscoe: The Chicago Work Uniform Company
