Fall is here, and the first cold start of the season is a good reminder to check more than the forecast. Before winter arrives, take a look at your work clothes, protective equipment, truck supplies, and everyday skin-care routine.
For landscapers, construction crews, delivery workers, and anyone moving between indoor and outdoor jobs, preparation starts with having the right equipment available when conditions change. A warm afternoon does not help much if the morning begins with wet gloves and no spare jacket.
Prepare for the whole shift
Check the forecast before leaving, including rain and wind as well as temperature. Set out layers you can adjust during the day, and keep a dry change where it will stay clean and accessible.
OSHA’s cold-stress guidance recommends layered clothing and avoiding wet clothing. As conditions get colder, plan for appropriate warm-up breaks and a dry place to recover. Follow your workplace’s cold-weather procedures and speak up when the conditions or your clothing are no longer adequate.
Choose PPE for the task, not just the temperature
Warm clothing and personal protective equipment serve different needs. A thick winter glove is not automatically suitable for chemicals, sharp materials, electrical work, or every machine. OSHA’s hand-protection guidance bases selection on the task, conditions, duration of use, and identified hazards.
Review the job with your supervisor and use the protection selected for that work. Check fit and condition before starting. Safety glasses, hearing protection, protective footwear, high-visibility clothing, and other equipment should match the hazards and workplace requirements. A colder morning is a reason to prepare your gear, not to improvise a substitute.
Crew leaders: keep backup gear in the trucks
Extra protective equipment should be part of the setup before the crew leaves the shop. If someone loses their glasses or discovers a damaged glove, a replacement needs to be easy to find.
A practical crew-truck checklist can include:
- Spare task-appropriate gloves: stock the types and sizes your crew actually needs.
- Spare safety glasses: keep clean, protected replacements readily accessible.
- Required hearing protection: maintain enough suitable supplies for the day’s work.
- Weather gear: keep dry spare layers, socks, and suitable rainwear available.
- Other job-specific PPE: check the day’s assignments against the equipment needed.
Use a designated, labeled storage area. Keep clean equipment separate from dirty or damaged items, and store it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Tell every crew member where the backups are kept. Assign someone to check quantities before departure and replenish used supplies when the truck returns.
A spare box only helps if it contains usable equipment. Make reporting a missing or damaged item routine, so a worker can get a replacement before continuing a task that requires it.
Give your skin a routine before winter
Hand care does not need to be complicated. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying a hand cream or ointment after washing, while the skin is still slightly damp. Keep washing when needed; build moisturizing around that hygiene routine.
After work, use a gentle cleanser and warm rather than hot water. Make time to moisturize before bed. For dry or sensitive skin, fragrance-free options may be a better fit. Persistent cracking, pain, or irritation deserves advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Where Work Putty fits
SHIFT SHIELD™ Work Putty can be part of your personal routine for conditioning dry, rough skin. Keep a tin with your personal items, and start with a small amount according to the product directions. After the shift is a practical time to use it without rushing back to equipment.
Work Putty is a cosmetic balm, not PPE or protection against cold injury. Follow workplace rules and glove-manufacturer guidance, and do not handle tools, controls, or a steering wheel while your hands feel slippery. Keep the container closed in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and sunlight.
Make tomorrow morning easier
Before the next shift, check the forecast, lay out suitable clothing, inspect your required PPE, and confirm the truck’s spare supplies are stocked. At the end of the day, separate used gear, replace what is missing, and take a few minutes for your own care.
Preparing now gives your crew time to correct small gaps before winter makes them harder to ignore. The goal is straightforward: arrive ready, keep essential gear accessible, and look after the people doing the work.
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