Outdoor work presents a range of challenges. During winter, we might have to deal with slippery surfaces underfoot, colder temperatures, and poor visibility. During summer, dehydration, sunburn, and heat exhaustion might be more salient worries.
For those Work Outdoors, the right preparation can often spell the difference between a productive working day and a needlessly grueling one. But what form should that preparation take? Let’s consider the possibilities.
What should you wear?
It’s imperative that you remain comfortable throughout the working day. There’s a difference between the physical cost of hard Work Outdoors and that of an uncomfortable outfit, after all. Ideally, the clothes you wear should help you to put the maximum energy into the work you’re doing.
The clothes you wear should be adapted to guard against the hazards of a particular environment. Protection against cold weather might be a priority, but windproof fabrics might also play a role. If you’re working in low-light conditions, reflective or phosphorescent clothing might work well.
The boots you wear might also be critical, especially if you’re working in slippery conditions. Trips and falls represent a significant chunk of workplace accidents, and a deep enough tread on your boots can actually help to prevent them, by distributing standing water away from the sole of your foot.
Food and drink
Working outdoors can be more physically demanding than working indoors. This applies particularly if you’re doing a lot of moving around, lifting, and other physical labor. Eat something calorie-rich outside of work hours, and use snacks throughout the day.
Arguably more important are drinks. During warm weather, you should stay hydrated with the help of a supply of cold water. When it’s cold, you might use warm drinks in a suitable flask.
Space to relax
When the conditions are especially hostile, it pays to have a space for recuperation. This might be an indoor space to take a break – or even a secluded spot beneath the trees.
Keeping track of equipment
Personal protective equipment, like facemasks, goggles, and ear defenders, should be supplied where required. If you’re performing tree surgery with a chainsaw, then all of these might be appropriate.
The equipment actually being used to perform tasks also matters. Tools and PPE should be regularly inspected and maintained. Keep a record of these inspections, so that you can troubleshoot later, if things do go wrong. You might also keep a stockpile of important components, like capacitive proximity sensors, so that repairs can be conducted swiftly.
Staying safe by working in pairs
The best advice for those working in harsh conditions is to never work alone. By having a partner available, you’ll have help if you get into trouble. You might also end up being more productive, too!
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