Cold weather not slowing down outdoor workers
On days like today, the thought of spending even a few minutes outside can give anyone the shivers, but for people who make their living working outdoors, it’s just another day at the office.
Kathie Keichinger has been delivering mail in Prince Albert for nine years, and so she comes prepared when the temperatures drop.
“I’ve got a long sleeve t-shirt, long sleeve work shirt, long sleeve sweater and I really feel like I could use another layer,” she said.
Keichinger said her mitts make it hard to sort mail, but she’s grateful to have them as well as her extra set of hand and toe warmers. She said she is also grateful for the occasional warm-up break at a community club or apartment building.
“In the summer everyone is like I wish I had your job, then they change their mind on the first cold day in September,” she said.
Beyond extra layers and a warm truck, Keichinger said the best way to survive extremely cold days is to keep moving.
At the full-service Shell service station on 16th Street West Cathy Koivisto told paNOW that dressing in layers is crucial when it comes to staying warm on the job.
“Got ski pants on, I’ve got hand warmers in my gloves, neck warmer, as much clothes as you can,” she said.
Koivisto has been working at the Shell station for 16 years, where she has seen quite a number of cold days. She said despite working a number of cold days she doesn’t find herself getting accustomed to cold conditions.