It’s cold in here! Here are three helpful areas that will help keep you going when working inside a freezer or cold storage environment. Make sure that you stay warm and productive while working in a freezer or cooler warehouse.
- Diet
- The Right Gear
- Warm-up Breaks
Diet: Working in a cold environment day in and day out can be harsh. Make sure you are fueling your body properly to maintain your peak productivity. If you are working in the cold you may need more calories than normal. A hot coffee will warm me up right? No! Avoid caffeine when possible and drink more water to keep from getting dehydrated. Also, avoid alcohol and smoking – both limit your body’s natural ability to regulate its warmth.
The Right Gear: Selecting the right gear when working in the cold is very important. There is a lot that goes into finding the right gear for you. Utilize layers that help with moisture management. A sweaty base layer will make you feel cold and uncomfortable. Especially avoid cotton and instead choose materials that will wick away moisture.
For your outerwear make sure it has the right amount of insulation. Check out our guide to selecting freezer gear here. Make sure that your gear fits comfortably (not too tight or loose) and find a jacket that has some stretch to it to make it easier to move in.
Warm-up Breaks: Make sure your schedule allows enough time for warm-up breaks. Utilize the ACGIH recommendations for a work/warm-up schedule on a 4-hour shift. There are a lot of factors that go into how long you can work at a time including the temperature, your gear, humidity, and your activity level. It’s important to listen to your body and if you are experiencing any unusual symptoms make sure to tell a supervisor.
