Outerwear Still Essential For Tradespeople As Winter Lingers

In the UK, winter seems to last forever, and month after month of wind, rain and snow can take its toll on tradespeople who have to work outdoors. 

However, it is important those in agriculture, construction and engineering keep themselves protected from the elements at all times, even when the weather appears to be picking up. 

Although temperatures are not as low as they were a couple of months ago, winter in the UK continues until the end of March. 

Therefore, there is a strong chance that snowy conditions, sub-zero temperatures, heavy wind and torrential rain could affect projects for the next few weeks at least. 

Indeed, the Met Office has recently issued a yellow weather warning for rain across eastern, central and southern England, as well as southern and western Wales. 

It states that flooding to a “few homes and businesses is likely” until February 25th, BBC News reports. 

This risk of rain over the next few days could pose a risk to tradespeople, particularly those working at height. 

Therefore, it is essential they undertake risk assessments before continuing with a job, in case it is deemed unsafe while the rain remains heavy.

It is also important that workers wear the right attire to protect themselves as much as possible from the elements. 

While thick heavy coats might not be needed as we head into spring, waterproof work jackets are still important. 

Waterproof coats with three layers of fabric will keep tradespeople dry, as well as warm, while its windproofing, wrist cuffs, and adjustable hood will protect them from harsh gales.

When the weather begins to show signs of improvement, workers can move to softshell jackets. Those with hoods will keep the head and face dry and warm, and outwear with fleece lining and adjustable hems will mean wearers will remain toasty if temperatures decide to drop prior to spring. 

Padded gillets are also popular for this time of the year when weather conditions are constantly changing. They are effective at keeping the torso warm and dry, while allowing for more flexible movement in the arms. 

Although these will not keep wearers dry in torrential storms, they are a good option when temperatures begin to pick up but are not high enough to go without a jacket just yet. 

According to the Met Office, the weather in the UK will remain unsettled for the rest of February and March, with “short-lived colder interludes” to occur over the next few weeks and sleet and snow also likely to fall in northern areas. 

It also predicted there will be night frosts during March, though conditions will begin to improve during the middle of the month. From then, outdoor workers can begin to enjoy longer periods of drier, brighter weather, which would be an ideal time to swap from their winter jackets to a lighter softshell jacket or gillet.

Of course, being Britain, the weather could change at any time, so it is sensible not to pack away winter wear entirely when the sun does make an appearance, as you never know when you will need it again!