WHY YOU NEED A FACEMASK FOR COLD WEATHER WORK

It doesn’t matter if you work in utilities, in construction or on the farm – when you’re nose-to-nose with the cold, you’d better mask up.

Most standard cold weather workwear provides protection for everything but the face. So your face often takes more of a beating than the rest of your body when you’re facing intense wind, snow, sleet and rain. If you spend any portion of your workday outside during the winter, it’s a good idea to wear a face mask to protect your nose, ears and head from the dangers of the cold.

Whatever your climate or working conditions, RefrigiWear® has the perfect ski mask or insulated balaclava to keep you warm. From gaiters to 3-hole masks, our face masks are made with cold-busting materials like Polartec® fleece and ultra-protective laminated fabrics. Some have upgraded features like moisture-wicking linings and removeable mouthpieces with breathing holes.

You just won’t find other face masks that can handle the cold quite like ours. RefrigiWear offers traditional ski masks and balaclavas, but you’ll also find convertible masks that allow you to wear them as a gaiter, a full-face mask or as a full balaclava with an insulated skull cap.

Why Do You Need a Face Mask at Work?

No matter which kind of RefrigiWear face mask you choose, you can be sure it will help you face whatever the day throws at you. Here are 4 reasons why you should never leave for work without your trusty winter mask:

Face Masks Prevent Cold Stress

Your face is more sensitive to temperature changes than the rest of your body. Your nose and ears are always the first thing to get uncomfortable when you’re out in the cold, right? Having a cold face adds stress to the body and makes us feel colder than we actually are.

Face Masks Protect Your Skin

It’s probably the last thing on your mind when you’re trudging through a busy workday, but your skin deserves protection just like the rest of you. Extreme temperatures and wind whipping against your face can cause severe dryness and cracked skin that leaves you vulnerable to infections.

Face Masks Help Meet Safety Requirements

Although the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) doesn’t set forth specific standards for most workwear in cold environments, they do specifically recommend wearing a knit mask to cover the face and mouth. OSHA also recommends at least three layers of loose-fitting clothing (tight clothing can reduce blood circulation, which is vital in cold weather), plus a hat, gloves and insulated, waterproof boots. You won't be penalized for not following these standards, but it’s still good practice to follow OSHA regulations while on the job.

Face Masks Help with Hydration

It seems strange, but did you know that wearing face masks can help keep your airways moist? When you’re constantly exposed to dry, cold air, it can trigger dryness in your mouth, nose and throat, which leads to coughing and pain. If you’ve noticed these symptoms when you’re working outside, make sure to select a mask that covers the mouth and nose, such as our Performance Balaclava that helps fight dryness. Don’t worry – it still offers easy breathing, thanks to the mouthpiece with breathing holes.

In Your Face, Cold Weather

When the weather is quite literally in your face, make sure you’re protected from head to toe. RefrigiWear specializes in the warmest insulated workwear and headwear for everyone who must brave the cold, including a broad selection of insulated caps, ski masks, balaclavas, gaiters and face masks. Trust RefrigiWear for all of your cold weather workwear.