Winter Workwear Guide: Staying Safe in Cold Conditions

Working Through a Latvian Winter

Latvia's winters are no joke. From November through March, outdoor workers regularly face temperatures between -5°C and -20°C, combined with wind, snow, and ice. For workers in construction, logistics, utilities, forestry, and other outdoor industries, staying warm isn't just about comfort — it's a matter of safety and productivity. Cold stress, hypothermia, and frostbite are real risks, and the right workwear is your first line of defence.

This guide covers everything you need to know about choosing and layering winter workwear to stay safe and effective in cold Latvian conditions.

Understanding Cold-Related Health Risks

Before choosing workwear, it helps to understand what you're protecting against:

• Hypothermia — When core body temperature drops below 35°C. Early signs include shivering, confusion, and loss of coordination. Severe hypothermia is life-threatening.
• Frostbite — Freezing of skin and underlying tissue, most commonly affecting fingers, toes, ears, and nose. Proper gloves, boots, and headwear are essential.
• Cold stress — A broader term for the physical strain caused by working in cold environments, including reduced dexterity, fatigue, and increased risk of accidents.

The risk increases significantly when cold is combined with wind (wind chill) or wet conditions. Wet clothing loses up to 90% of its insulating value, making waterproofing critical.

The Three-Layer System

The most effective approach to winter workwear is the three-layer system, which allows you to regulate body temperature by adding or removing layers as conditions and activity levels change.

Layer 1: Base Layer (Moisture Management)

The base layer sits directly against your skin. Its job is to wick moisture (sweat) away from your body and transfer it to the next layer, keeping you dry. A wet base layer will make you feel cold very quickly.

Choose base layers made from merino wool or synthetic moisture-wicking fabrics (polyester, polypropylene). Avoid cotton — it absorbs moisture and stays wet, dramatically reducing its insulating properties. For very cold conditions, choose a heavyweight base layer; for milder cold or high-activity work, a lightweight base layer may be sufficient.

Layer 2: Mid Layer (Insulation)

The mid layer traps warm air close to your body to retain heat. Common options include fleece jackets and trousers, padded gilets or jackets (down or synthetic fill), and thermal knit garments. For most Latvian winter conditions, a fleece mid layer combined with a padded jacket provides excellent insulation without excessive bulk.

Look for mid layers that are easy to put on and take off, as you'll likely adjust them throughout the day depending on your activity level and the weather.

Layer 3: Outer Shell (Protection)

The outer layer protects against wind, rain, and snow while allowing moisture from the inner layers to escape. For workwear, the outer shell must also meet relevant safety standards — typically EN ISO 20471 for high-visibility requirements and EN 343 for rain protection.

Look for outer shells with a waterproof rating of at least 10,000mm hydrostatic head and a breathability rating of at least 10,000 g/m²/24h. Taped seams prevent water ingress at stitching points. For extreme cold, choose a shell with EN 342 certification (protection against cold environments).

Key Winter Workwear Standards

• EN 342 – Protection against cold environments (below -5°C). Measures thermal resistance and water vapour resistance.
• EN 14058 – Protection against cool environments (-5°C to +10°C). Suitable for milder winter conditions or indoor cold environments.
• EN 343 – Protection against rain. Essential for the outer shell layer.
• EN ISO 20471 – High-visibility requirements. Many winter workwear garments combine thermal protection with hi-vis compliance.

Winter Footwear

Cold feet are not just uncomfortable — they reduce concentration and increase accident risk. For winter work in Latvia, look for safety boots with:

• Cold insulation rating (CI) under EN ISO 20345
• Waterproof construction (S3, S4, or S5 classification)
• Slip-resistant outsoles rated SRC — especially important on icy surfaces
• High ankle support for stability on uneven, snow-covered ground

Consider wearing thermal boot liners or wool socks for additional warmth. Replace insoles regularly, as compressed insoles lose their insulating properties.

Protecting Extremities

Hands

Dexterity is critical for most work tasks, so finding the right balance between warmth and mobility is key. Options include thermal liner gloves worn under work gloves, insulated work gloves rated for cold conditions, and waterproof outer gloves for wet conditions. For very cold conditions where dexterity is less critical, insulated mittens provide superior warmth.

Head and Neck

Up to 30% of body heat can be lost through the head. Under a safety helmet, wear a thermal balaclava or helmet liner. Neck gaiters and buffs provide additional protection for the neck and lower face. Ensure any headwear worn under a safety helmet doesn't compromise the helmet's fit or protection.

Face

In extreme cold or high wind, exposed facial skin can suffer frostbite within minutes. Balaclavas, face shields, and neck gaiters provide protection. Apply barrier cream to exposed skin in very cold conditions.

Practical Tips for Winter Work

• Change out of wet clothing immediately — wet garments lose their insulating value rapidly
• Take regular warm-up breaks in heated welfare facilities
• Stay hydrated — dehydration increases susceptibility to cold
• Eat regular meals to maintain energy levels and body heat
• Know the signs of hypothermia and frostbite and act quickly if symptoms appear
• Inspect workwear regularly — damaged waterproofing or insulation significantly reduces protection

Employer Obligations in Cold Weather

Under Latvian labour protection law, employers must assess the risks of cold working environments and take appropriate measures. This includes providing suitable PPE (including thermal workwear) at no cost to the worker, ensuring adequate welfare facilities with heating, adjusting work schedules to allow warm-up breaks, and training workers to recognise and respond to cold-related health risks.

Shop Winter Workwear at TEXX

At TEXX, we stock a comprehensive range of certified winter workwear for Latvian conditions — from thermal base layers and fleece mid layers to waterproof hi-vis outer shells and insulated safety boots. All our products meet the relevant EN standards and carry CE certification. Browse our winter workwear collection to equip your team for the cold season, or contact us for expert advice on building the right layering system for your industry.