When concrete crews pour slabs in January or set sidewalks during sleet, the job continues regardless of the cold. For contractors, winter brings challenges that go beyond discomfort. Frostbitten fingers make it difficult to tie rebar, numb feet create unstable footing and the risk of hypothermia rises quickly without proper protection.
Reliable winter workwear is more than a matter of staying warm. It is a safeguard that helps workers stay productive on the job and return home in good health. This guide covers how to equip concrete teams from head to toe before the harshest weather sets in.
Concrete Contractors & Cold Stress
Cold stress doesn’t require arctic conditions. The Centers for Disease Control explains that cold stress can occur at relatively mild temperatures around 50°F, especially when wind or rain are present. For contractors, chilly fall mornings, damp job sites and winter winds put workers at risk.
When the body loses heat faster than it can produce, blood flow is pulled from the extremities to protect vital organs. This causes fatigue, slower reaction times, frostbite or hypothermia — none of which belong on a safe, efficient concrete jobsite.
OSHA doesn’t have a specific “cold weather PPE” standard yet, but under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers must protect workers from recognized hazards. Outfitting crews with proper cold-weather gear is part of meeting that obligation.
How to Layer Workwear for Cold Weather Work
Every effective winter PPE strategy starts with the right layering system. Think of it as building a concrete form; you need a solid foundation, proper structure and a durable exterior.
Base Layers: Sweat Management Comes First
Concrete work is physical. Setting forms and pushing screeds work up a sweat even in freezing temperatures. If that moisture sits against the skin, it speeds up heat loss and increases the risk of cold stress and hypothermia.
But the material in the base layers makes all the difference. Avoid cotton — it soaks up sweat and holds it against the skin. Choose moisture-wicking synthetics or blended fabrics with hollow fibers that channel moisture away and allow it to evaporate efficiently.
The thermal power of the base layer matters, too. Choose heavyweight base layers with fleece linings for low-activity work like equipment operation, as workers sitting still don’t generate as much of their own body heat. Choose lighter-weight base layers for high-mobility tasks like setting forms or finishing flatwork.
Mid-Layers: Core Heat Retention
The mid-layer creates an insulating air pocket that slows heat loss. Keeping the core warm allows blood to circulate effectively to arms, legs, hands and feet — critical for avoiding frostbite.
Many concrete workers prefer to wear thermal hoodies, fleece pullovers or insulated vests between their base and outer layers. These mid-layers should be easy to shed when the work pace picks up, preventing overheating that leads to dangerous sweat buildup.
Outer Layers: Always Weather-Ready
For concrete crews, outerwear must block wind, repel water, and remain durable against abrasion from tools, equipment and rough surfaces. Most jobsites also require the outer layer to include high-visibility fabric and reflective materials to keep workers seen and safe while working around heavy equipment or fast-moving vehicles.
For unpredictable winter weather, concrete pros should look for work jackets, bib overalls or insulated coveralls made from durable synthetic materials, such as polyester or nylon, with a weather-resistant coating or a fully waterproof membrane to block wet weather and overspray from washouts. Synthetic insulation is also preferable to materials like down because it is lighter, resists moisture and won’t settle or develop cold spots with rough use or repeated washing.
Avoid Overbundling
When the work is piling up and the temperature is going down, it’s tempting to think that more layers and insulation mean more protection from the dangers of cold stress. However, over-bundling active workers can lead to sweating, which increases cold stress risk once they slow down. Under-insulating stationary workers leaves them vulnerable to hypothermia.
Instead of assigning the same winter gear to each employee, choose lightly insulated workwear for crews placing or finishing concrete because these workers generate more body heat through movement. Supply heavier gear for flaggers, pump operators, or anyone spending long periods standing still, as these workers are generating less of their own body heat. It’s also helpful to stock extra gloves and socks so workers can swap out any damp gear mid-shift.
Get a Grip on Cold
Exposure to cold can reduce dexterity, slow grip response, and make handling tools or equipment unnecessarily risky. Concrete crews can’t skimp on safe, warm and comfortable winter work gloves when nearly all the work is hands-on.
First, consider the conditions on the jobsite. Many insulated gloves list a temperature range on the label, so choose one that most closely matches the temperature and conditions.
Next, consider how much dexterity is needed for the job. For handling plywood, a mitt or 3-finger glove will provide extra warmth. For tying wire or controlling equipment, look for gloves with fully articulated or gusseted fingers, flex panels across the knuckles and durable silicone grips for added control. A pre-curved, ergonomic fit can also reduce hand fatigue.
For added protection from busted knuckles and blistered palms, look for abrasion-resistant outershell materials and impact padding across knuckles and fingers of insulated gloves designed for concrete work.
Avoid Safety Slipups
Concrete crews spend hours standing, bending, and balancing on cold, wet and often slick surfaces. The right work boots reduce foot fatigue, prevent slips and protect the feet and toes from frostbite.
Most employers and jobsites have specific rules about toe protection, so look for composite safety toes with ASTM-certified impact and rollover protection. Composite safety toes have an advantage over steel toes in the winter because composite materials don’t conduct cold from the ground into the foot the way metals can.
Next, look for waterproof protection. Bonded uppers keep moisture out better than sewn or welted designs. To prevent cracking that allows cold and moisture to seep in, choose boots with outsoles made from non-slip compounds specially formulated for cold conditions so they won’t crack after repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Finally, consider the level of insulation required for the temperature on the job. Hiker-style work boots with light insulation work well for above-freezing temperatures. For working in freezing conditions, insulated pac boots with removable liners offer maximum warmth and flexible protection from wet winter weather.
Don’t forget to pack extra socks for a midday refresh. Sweaty feet that stay wet all day in cold weather are at greater risk for frostbite, trench foot, and infections.
Meet Cold Head-On
Standard hard hats and safety helmets protect against impact, not cold. Without additional coverage, the ears, face, and neck are vulnerable to frostbite, but concrete crews have a few options to face down the cold.
Low-profile headwear, such as skull caps and thermal beanies, can fit under hard hats to keep heat in without affecting the helmet’s fit. Balaclavas or face masks with hard-hat-compatible openings give the face and neck full coverage on blustery days. Concrete workers who are particularly active often find a neck gaiter is a good choice for keeping cold from creeping down the neck of a sweatshirt or jacket.
Warm Workers Build Better
Well-chosen winter workwear and PPE isn’t just a safety expense — it’s a productivity tool. Crews that stay warm and dry can work more efficiently, maintain precision and quality on finishing work, and experience fewer cold-related accidents or injuries. For contractors, that means meeting deadlines even in the dead of winter and avoiding costly rework or schedule delays. Like well-cured concrete, the right preparation pays off in strength and durability all winter long.
