At Aladdin, our warehouse teams work diligently in all seasons to ensure orders are processed accurately and efficiently. While we’d love to operate solely in the beauty of spring and fall weather, we must be prepared for the harsh reality of winter.

Working in frigid temperatures is not for the faint of heart. There are certain steps that can be taken to set yourself up for success.

Our Advice

First, make sure you are dressing in well-fitting layers. Having base, mid and waterproof external layers help to properly insulate your body for warmth and regulation. If you get too warm or are having trouble maneuvering in all three layers, you can remove your external layer to cool down or gain functionality. When you get cold, you can simply add it back. Additionally, wearing a base layer not only allows for comfort, but also the ability to change a thinner, less expensive layer should it get wet. It is important to keep dry when working in the cold and, though it seems like it won’t happen, it is very possible you may begin to sweat if you layer well. Keeping an extra base layer on hand will help prevent hypothermia or the risk of illness.

It is also important in industrial setting to ensure your clothes are well-fit. If your clothes are too big or baggy, they present a risk of getting caught in machinery which could lead to severe injury. You should also avoid wearing clothing with hood cinching strings that are excessively long and pants that are not the appropriate hem length. Hood strings can get caught in spinning tools or machinery and pants that are too long could get caught under your shoes and present slip and fall risks.

Making sure your hands are not exposed to the elements and that they stay dry is key. For most of us, our hands are essential to 99% of our daily lives. When the wind chill is below zero, frostbite can occur in a matter of minutes. Keep them covered and dry as much as possible. It is also good practice to put hand warmers in your pockets or gloves to help your body generate heat and prevent it from having to work overtime.

Finally, while this is mostly thought of as a summer concern, it is very easy to become dehydrated in the winter. You’ll notice your hands and skin drying out and should heed your body’s warning and hydrate. Working hands also tend to dry out and crack easily in the winter – keep a high quality, healing lotion nearby to prevent dangerous wounds and potential infection.

Most Importantly

Always listen to what your body is telling you. If you feel like you need to relocate to a warmer location for a few moments to regulate your core body temperature, speak to your supervisor immediately. Cold spells come and go, but you are irreplaceable!