Why Vehicle Safety and High-Visibility Gear Matter More Than Ever

When the temperatures drop, your job doesn’t stop — but winter conditions change the rules. Cold weather affects everything from how equipment behaves to how clearly drivers can see you. Whether you're operating heavy machinery, driving a work truck, or directing vehicles on site, taking extra precautions keeps everyone safe.

Here’s what crews need to know to stay visible, protected, and prepared.

Start Every Shift with a Complete Vehicle Check

Winter is hard on engines, batteries, and hydraulics. Before moving any vehicle or equipment:

• Clear all snow and ice from windows, mirrors, lights, and roofs.
• Inspect tires for proper tread and inflation.
• Check fluid levels, especially antifreeze and washer fluid.
• Test batteries, since cold temperatures dramatically reduce cranking power.

If you need winter-ready gear to perform pre-shift inspections, shop Brasco’s work gloves and thermal wear to stay warm and protected on the job.

Increase Following and Stopping Distances

Icy, wet, or snow-covered roads make vehicles much harder to control. Remind all operators and drivers to:

• Slow down and drive deliberately.
• Leave more space between vehicles.
• Avoid sudden braking or sharp turns.
• Use low-beam headlights in snow or blowing conditions.

Equipping your crew with proper winter traction gear can also reduce slip-and-fall risks when working around vehicles.

Prevent Carbon Monoxide Exposure with Proper Ventilation

Cold weather brings heaters, running engines, and enclosed workspaces — a dangerous combination if ventilation is poor.

• Fully defrost windows before driving.
• Avoid idling vehicles in enclosed shops or garages.
• Ensure heated work areas have proper ventilation.
• Install and regularly test carbon monoxide detectors.

Safety supervisors can find additional resources in Brasco’s safety equipment collection to help prevent CO-related hazards.

Handle Cold Tools and Materials With Care

Extreme low temperatures can change the way equipment behaves:

• Materials and tools can become brittle, increasing the risk of breakage.
• Cold metal can cause contact burns on exposed skin.
• Straps, hoses, and plastics may crack.
• Hydraulics may respond more slowly.

Stay protected with impact-resistant gloves and winter-rated safety apparel designed for cold-weather handling.

High-Visibility Vests: The First Line of Protection in Low-Light Conditions

Winter isn’t just cold — it’s dark. Shorter days, blowing snow, fog, and low-visibility conditions dramatically increase the risk of vehicle-related incidents. That’s why high-visibility gear isn’t optional — it’s essential.

Explore Brasco’s full range of high-visibility vests to keep your workers seen and safe on the job.

Hi-vis gear helps:

• Ensure drivers can see you early.
  Reflective materials catch headlights, work lamps, and even ambient light, giving operators more time to react.
• Stand out from the background.
  Snow, machinery, and cluttered worksites make workers harder to see. Hi-vis apparel keeps them visible from every angle.
• Reduce struck-by incidents.
  Being struck by vehicles or heavy equipment is one of the leading winter workplace hazards. High-visibility vests significantly reduce the risk.
• Meet safety standards.
  All Brasco high-visibility apparel meets or exceeds CSA standards — see the full line of CSA-approved hi-vis gear.

Above all else, Being Visible Saves Lives.

Winter creates new hazards, but strong safety habits and proper gear make all the difference. Conduct pre-shift checks, drive cautiously, ventilate properly, handle cold materials with care — and above all, make visibility a priority.

High-visibility vests save lives.
Wear them. Replace damaged ones. And make