Autumn / winter Accessories

Time does not stop when autumn and winter come, whether it is cold or rainy, the employee still has work to do. To do this, however, he must equip himself not only with adequate clothing and shoes, but also with accessories, if necessary. Zoom on the accessories intended to improve the safety and comfort of the worker during these seasons.

The characteristics of autumn winter work accessories

The work gear of these two seasons is often grouped into one category, whether it's workwear or accessories, because their climates are quite similar. Indeed, in autumn, temperatures begin to drop gradually, and while some days are sunny, others can be cloudy, rainy, and in some cases snowy.

If autumn winter work clothes are governed by specific standards, apart from gloves, this is not the case for accessories.

The different accessories of the fall winter work outfit available - Men and Women

Several products and work accessories are available for purchase to spend an autumn and winter in optimal comfort:

- balaclava: it is a kind of balaclava that protects the head and face from the cold.

- Neck warmer: it is worn around the neck to keep the neck and throat warm. It can be adjusted using a drawstring or adjustment buttons.

- Beanie: good insulation that adjusts to the shape of the skull, it protects the head from the cold. Some models are thinner and lighter than others to allow the worker to wear it under a helmet if necessary.

- Sock: keeps feet warm in extreme cold. Some are anti-odor or even anti-mold in addition. For these seasons it comes in two versions, those that are high and cover the legs and the classic version that covers up to the calves.

- Glove: it keeps hands warm. Depending on the model, they can resist abrasions, punctures, tears or cuts. Always depending on the type of glove chosen, it can also be waterproof.

- Cleats and non-slip overshoe: Their main purpose will be to protect against slipping when a worker is working in a hostile environment (slippery, greasy or wet ground).

- Chapka: it covers the forehead, the ears and also has special protection for the neck. It can have a fleece lining to best protect against the cold. It is still equipped with a tightening button and an adjustment button under the chin to adjust it to the best.

- Scarf: wraps around the neck to protect this particularly fragile area from the cold.

- Mittens: it preserves the heat of the hands as much as possible, while allowing its wearer to have optimal dexterity. It can have a non-slip property that will allow the employee to handle objects even in the event of humidity.

Manufacturing standards for fall / winter work accessories

Non-slip overshoes are subject to the same standard as slip-resistant shoes: EN ISO 20347:2012. Depending on the sector in which it is used, it can be equipped with an anti-crushing shell.

Along with overshoes, gloves belong to a separate category, as they are the only accessories subject to specific standards. As far as gloves are concerned, their design is governed by the basic standard EN 420. It will define the requirements in terms of ergonomics, innocuousness, dexterity and will give the necessary information as well as instructions for use. The standard EN 511 will then be added to provide suitable protection against the cold. Other specific standards also exist to protect the hands from various risks (EN 388 which protects against mechanical risks, for example).

The rest of the accessories listed above are not considered PPE. Their main role is only to improve the comfort of the employee. On the other hand, they must have the characteristics necessary to preserve them from the conditions encountered outdoors.