Winter is coming and events are getting colder.

The clocks have gone back, and the year is winding its way towards its end. The summer with its heat is now nothing more than a memory. As I was out walking today toward the supermarket to buy my lunch, the biting wind accompanying todays weather was trying to cut through me. As I walked, I couldn’t help reflecting at making the same journey not so long ago on a very hot day in my rolled-up shirtsleeves. On that day the wind was bathing me in more heat.

As anyone involved in event safety can testify, we are here doing our job in all weathers. It’s very much part and parcel of the job. If you are considering a job (or a full career) in event safety I can safely promise you that you will get both wet and cold. Unless of course you only ever get booked for indoor events. (in over twenty-two years I’ve never been that lucky but never say never).

As a Safety Steward, Senior Steward, Stand Manager, Event Safety Manager (or whichever title/job role I am this weekend) I always have half an eye on the weather. The weather can play a big part in the event. From the obvious right down to the consequences and issues that can be created if either you or a member of your staff is cold, and their effectiveness is compromised.

So, I wanted to share some of the knowledge and tips that I have picked up over the years. I use these and they work for me. If you have any others that you find work for you then please add them in the comments. I am a big believer that knowledge and experience is a gift best shared.

Please remember though I’m not a Doctor, Scientist, Weather forecaster or anything similar so all the explanations that I give below are based on what I have learnt, discovered or my understanding. I am happy to be corrected or for someone else to offer a better explanation.

Layers are your friend

We’ll start with what could be an obvious one yet sometimes one that a lot of people misjudge.

If the forecast is for a cold day then put on plenty of thin layers. How many that is will require some experimentation but to begin with I would suggest one more then you think.

I can’t be more specific then this as it will tend to vary from person to person.

Think base layers such as thermal underwear, thin t-shirts etc.

If you need assistance or advise head to your local outdoor clothing shop and talk with the staff. The same advice that they give to walkers etc works very well for event safety as well.

Many years ago, I did this and even to this day the body warmers etc that they recommended are still part of my cold weather gear.

The other caveat that I will put on this is to consider the role that you will be asked to do. Will you be stationery, or will you have opportunities to move around?

If you’re not sure, then work on the principal of being stationery.

If you have to many layers and are getting hot you can always take a layer off to cool down.

However, if you are cold that layer that you considered putting on that is still on the bed, in the drawer or wherever you left it isn’t going to help you.

The final thought that I will give you on this one is consider what layers you will be provided by the client/employer. If they provide a nice padded jacket, then you may not need as many layers.

Thermal Socks and Thick Soled Shoes

In the same way that layers are your friend, thermal socks or thick socks can be the same to your feet. Thick soled shoes are the icing on the cake.

A lot of events especially those in stadiums feature concrete. Concrete is very good at holding the cold. The thinner the soles of your shoes the closer that this means your feet are to the cold concrete. As a consequence, you are giving the cold a quicker route to get into you and especially if you are in a stationery position the opportunity to get away from that concrete is likely to be very limited.

Thermal socks (with a tog rating) and thick soled shoes will make it a lot harder for the cold from the concrete to spread through you.

Gloves and Hats

It may be that the client/employer will provide you with a hat. Personally, speaking I have a number of thinsulate beanie style hats that I will choose from for events where I am not provided with one.

I prefer these but as always other brands etc are available.

I like the beanie style as I can wear it over my ears so I can keep them warm. Which if like me your ears are a little on the large size this can be appreciated.

I also have a number of different gloves from just simple knitted ones to full on thinsulate gloves. Again, here I will choose which pair I wear based on the weather.

(again, other brands etc are available)

If you’re not sure if your client/employer will accept your choice of head wear talk with them. Explain why you want to wear it and while they may not agree with your choice they may advise you what they will accept (or event provide it).

I would suggest against a balaclava. Whilst there are certain advantages to keeping you warm the image that you provide is most likely not to be one that a client/employer wishes to see portrayed.

Final thoughts

Yes, your employer and/or the client have a duty of care towards you. However, they are only required to take reasonable steps. Also, don’t forget you have a duty of care towards yourself as well.

You could add a scarf, snood etc to the above. Personally, speaking I’ve never tried a snood so I can’t speak about them and their benefits. I’m not a fan of wearing a scarf for the simple reason that it could be used against me in a scuffle etc.

If you get the chance to move especially if you have been stationery take it. If you have a moment go to the toilets and put your hands under the hot air dryer especially if they are cold. The warm air will give you a chance to warm yourself.

Hot drinks can provide temporary respite from the cold but there effect wears off and you can’t keep drinking them and depending on your position you may not be able to get one or even drink one if you could get one.

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