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COLD, SLIPPERY, DANGEROUS: WHY WINTER ROAD CLEARANCE REQUIRES SPECIAL PPE
When temperatures drop and the first frost sets in, the peak season for winter road maintenance begins. Whether on roads, sidewalks, or company premises, clearing snow, gritting, and de-icing is not only physically demanding, but also carries a significantly increased risk of accidents and health hazards. Black ice, poor visibility, freezing cold, and changing surfaces are part of everyday life and make the work challenging and dangerous.The right personal protective equipment (PPE) is therefore essential. It protects winter service employees not only from the weather, but also from mechanical risks, falls, and loss of visibility in the dark. In this article, we show you what really matters when it comes to PPE for winter service - and which solutions provide reliable protection.
WEATHERPROOF, WARM, AND SAFE: THE RIGHT WINTER CLOTHING
The basis of any winter outfit is functional protective clothing that offers freedom of movement and comfort. The focus is on:+ Weatherproof clothing in accordance with EN 343: Protects against rain, snow, and wind thanks to waterproof materials, welded seams, and breathable fabrics.
+ Cold protection clothing in accordance with EN 342: Ideal for low temperatures. Insulating materials, thermal lining, and a well-designed cut keep the body temperature stable – even during long periods of outdoor work.
+ High-visibility clothing in accordance with EN ISO 20471: Visibility is a must, especially in the dark winter months. Reflective elements and fluorescent colors increase safety in road traffic and on company premises.
ADDITIONAL PPE FOR WINTER USE
In addition to functional protective and work clothing, additional PPE components also play a key role:+ Protective gloves: Lined models with cold and wet protection are particularly suitable for winter service. At the same time, grip should be maintained – coated protective gloves with slip-resistant properties, e.g., latex or nitrile coating with winter lining, are ideal.
+ Safety shoes: Winter-proof safety shoes should have slip-resistant soles (SRC or SR), warm inner lining, and toe and puncture protection in accordance with EN ISO 20345. Optionally also with additional water repellency or waterproof upper material (WR or WPA). For working on cold surfaces, the CI marking is also important, as it ensures that the sole has been tested for cold insulation.
+ Safety glasses: Especially in winter service, glasses often fog up – for example, when moving between cold and warm areas or during physical work. Safety glasses with a high-quality anti-fog coating ensure clear vision, prevent visual impairments, and thus reduce the risk of accidents.
+ Accessories: Hats, winter socks, or multifunctional scarves - small extras with a big impact on comfort and safety in winter.
WHAT MAKES GOOD PPE FOR WINTER SERVICE
PPE for winter service must do more than ordinary workwear—it must also protect against:+ Cold and wet conditions
+ Falls due to slippery surfaces
+ Injuries from tools or vehicles
+ Loss of visibility in darkness or snow flurries
It is important to combine functional clothing, protective gloves with a good grip, non-slip safety footwear (e.g., S3, CI, WR-certified), and appropriate high-visibility clothing. Class S7 safety shoes also offer complete waterproofing, making them ideal for permanently wet or snowy working environments.
Equipping yourself early and checking regularly not only ensures health and efficiency, but also ensures smooth operations even in difficult weather conditions.
