Essentials for Working Outdoors

Outdoor jobs are one of the best ways to stay active and enjoy being out in nature. While 9-5 office jobs might be more commonplace, a growing number of people across the UK are looking to find a more active role where they can enjoy being outside instead of in an office.

There are many benefits to working outdoors, including getting fresh air and sunlight. However, you need to make sure you’re properly prepared. Often, working outdoors means you’ll be exposed to the elements, including heavy rain, snow and intense sunshine. Before starting an outdoor role, it’s a good idea to make sure you have everything you need.

Waterproof Clothing

In the UK, it rains an average of 156 days a year. That’s a little under half the year, which feels like a lot when you’re working outdoors. Being caught in the rain is rarely ever fun, but even less so when you have to work. Depending on the type of work you’re doing, you may be able to get inside for shelter, but often you have little choice but to stand and bear it. As a result, it’s important you have the right clothing. Waterproof work jackets are among the most popular waterproof workwear, although it’s also good to have a hat and waterproof trousers too.

If you work outside in the rain a lot, it may even be needed to have multiple waterproof outfits you can use, as they’ll need to be washed and dried from time to time. Constantly wearing wet clothing can result in poor health and may also damage the material. Make sure you have somewhere you can hang your wet clothes at the end of the day and a dry pair to put on the next day.

For colder conditions, waterproof gloves and boots are also a good idea, especially if you’re working with your hands. Fingers and toes are also known as extremities and when cold, the body diverts blood away from them to keep the core warm. By wearing the right clothing, you can ensure they stay warm, dry and usable.

Sun Protection

Even in the UK, the sun can become a serious problem when you’re outside for too long. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can result in sunburn, sunstroke and heat exhaustion. You might not think that the UK sees enough sunshine for this to be a problem but you’d be wrong. Every summer, there are thousands of cases of sun stroke and sunburn is something that can affect you very quickly.

If you’re working outside in the sun, you need the right protection. First of all, it’s important to make sure your skin is covered where possible. While it might be too hot to wear long sleeves, UV protective clothing is your best way of preventing the sun’s rays from damaging your skin. You can use a cap or hat to prevent it from affecting your face, as well as sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Of course, if it’s a hot day, you’re probably going to be wearing short sleeves and shorts. In this case, you should always make sure your exposed skin is covered in sunscreen. While you might prefer to get a tan, putting on sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin from UV rays that can cause sunburn and even lead to cancer. Reapply your sunscreen often and keep to the shade when you can.

First Aid Supplies

Depending on what kind of work you’re doing, you may be outside some distance away from the nearest hospital, pharmacy or even roads. While the UK doesn’t have a huge amount of remote countryside, you can still be sufficiently far enough away from civilisation that bringing a first aid kit is a good idea.