Protection of workers with PPE in the cold season

Working at low temperatures is a serious occupational risk factor. Occupational safety and health requires the employer to take measures to protect employees from hypothermia, frostbite and other consequences of adverse temperature effects. The main tool for such protection is special personal protective equipment (PPE) — first of all, insulated workwear, shoes and hats, dermatological PPE and hand PPE, other PPE necessary to protect against low temperatures, with a protection class (if available) corresponding to the climate zone.

Legal Framework

The employer’s obligation to provide workers with PPE, including for winter periods, is established by:

• Article 221 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation — the employer must, at their own expense, provide certified PPE appropriate for the type of work and conditions;
• Order of the Ministry of Labor of Russia No. 766n dated October 29, 2021 — approving the Rules for the Provision of PPE and Cleansing Agents to Employees;
• Model PPE Issuance Standards — adopted by separate regulations for each industry;
• GOST 12.4.236-2011 and other standards defining requirements for winter protective clothing.

Since October 1, the new GOST EN14058-2023 has been in effect, which establishes protection classes for workwear from the cool environment.

What Protection Does Winter PPE Provide?

• Protection against cold temperatures. Winter workwear and shoes are selected taking into account temperature conditions, wind speed and duration of outdoor stay. For example, working outdoors or in closed unheated rooms during the cold season, a work shift can be organized with regulated breaks for heating (Article 109 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation. Special breaks for heating and rest. MP 2.2.7.2129-06 Modes of work and rest for those working in the cold season in an open area or in unheated rooms), but this does not negate the need for reliable thermal insulation of suits and shoes.
• Protection from moisture and snow. In high-humidity environments, water-repellent materials, membrane fabrics, and sealed seams are essential. Footwear must be waterproof with slip-resistant soles.
• Protection from industrial hazards. If the work involves exposure to dangerous substances, mechanical impacts, or sparks (e.g., welding outdoors), PPE must protect against both cold and the specific industrial hazards. Technical regulations and conformity certificates apply.
• Enhanced visibility. In winter, daylight hours are short. According to GOST 12.4.281-2014, winter protective clothing must be equipped with reflective elements — critical for road workers, emergency services, and utility employees.

What the Employer Must Do

• Conduct a special assessment of working conditions (SOUT);
• Appoint a person responsible for PPE issuance and control;
• Procure winter clothing, footwear, and headgear per applicable standards;
• Prescribe the procedure for issuing, applying, and timing of PPE wear;
• Train workers on proper PPE use;
• Maintain records of issuance and storage (logs, receipts, formal acts).

We draw conclusions

Timely provision of PPE in cold weather is not just a matter of comfort — it is a legal obligation. Non-compliance not only results in fines but endangers the health and safety of employees. A systematic approach to selecting, issuing, and controlling the use of winter PPE ensures safe working conditions during the cold season.