Why Certified Winter Workwear Matters – EN 342, EN 343 & EN ISO 20471 Explained

When working in winter conditions, your team needs gear that doesn’t just feel warm — it must perform reliably, meet stringent safety standards, and ensure compliance with regulations. At Optimum BHP, we provide comprehensive certified winter workwear that aligns with three critical European standards: EN 342, EN 343, and EN ISO 20471. In this guide, we’ll break down what each standard means and why choosing certified gear is essential for companies in construction, logistics, public safety, and other sectors.

For expert tips and product examples, check our Workwear & PPE Blog and Winter Workwear FAQ.

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EN 342 – Thermal Insulation for Cold Environments

EN 342 certifies garments for protection against cold environments typically below –5 °C. The standard measures:

Thermal insulation (clo value)

Air permeability (to reduce wind chill)

Optional water penetration resistance

This ensures workers stay warm even during prolonged outdoor exposure. From padded winter jackets to insulated overalls, EN 342-certified clothing offers verified performance — a must for teams working in freezing conditions.

EN 343 – Waterproof and Breathable Protection

EN 343 specializes in protection against rain and snow. Garments are tested for:

Rain penetration resistance

Breathability (moisture vapor resistance)

Brands like PortwestSnickers Workwear, and Delta Plus offer parkas and trousers that combine multilayer thermal insulation with EN 343’s water protection and EN 342’s cold resistance — ideal for February snow, sleet, or drizzle.

EN ISO 20471 – High Visibility in Any Light

EN ISO 20471 ensures your winter gear includes fluorescent fabrics and reflective tape in correct proportions and placements. This standard governs visibility in low-light or high-speed environments, such as roadside, warehouse, or night-shift operations.

Many winter items at Optimum BHP meet this standard, including hi‑vis insulated jackets, trousers, and accessories — all designed to protect workers and comply with regulations.

Why Combine All Three Standards?

A set of certified standards delivers total protection:

Warmth (EN 342),

Weather resistance (EN 343),

Visibility (EN ISO 20471).

This combination is ideal for professionals like:

Construction workers on outdoor sites

Truck drivers and delivery personnel

Roadside maintenance crews

Public utility teams in winter weather

At Optimum BHP, you’ll find integrated garments — such as EN 342/EN 343-certified jackets with reflective tape — that meet all these requirements in one versatile solution.

Layering Certified Garments for Optimal Protection

Start with a thermal base layer, such as moisture-wicking underwear. Add a mid-layer fleece or softshell for comfort, then wear a certified winter jacket. For legs, choose insulated trousers or bibs that are also waterproof. Accessories like engraved hi-vis hatsthermal gloves, and slip-resistant insulated boots complete the set.

All items in this setup are available through our winter workwear categories:

Insulated workwear

Hi-vis clothing

Safety boots and accessories

Personalization with Branding: Still Compliant & Professional

Want your team to promote your brand while staying safe? We offer branded jackets, trousers, and accessories with professional embroidery or prints — applied so they don’t cover essential reflective zones.

Our logo placement process ensures compliance with EN ISO 20471. Talk to us today to create certified, uniform-branded winter workwear for your team.

Why Certified Gear Supports Performance & Compliance

Choosing certified winter apparel ensures:

Approved safety levels in legal and regulated work zones

Peace of mind, knowing garments perform as advertised

Lower absenteeism due to cold-related illnesses

Improved thermal comfort, reducing fatigue

All designated winter products at Optimum BHP come with clear labels indicating which standards they meet, helping you select the correct gear for your team.

Order Window & Delivery Details

Certification takes time — so does preparation and branding. We recommend ordering at least 3–4 weeks before the cold season to secure stock and customized orders. Normal lead time is 5–15 working days, extending to about 20 days in peak season. Plan ahead with our team for best results.

 In Summary – Certified Winter Workwear Ensures Safety, Comfort & Compliance

EN 342 = Cold protection

EN 343 = Waterproof/windproof

EN ISO 20471 = Visibility

All critical for winter operations

Shop certified winter workwear sets on the Optimum BHP store, explore our Workwear & PPE Blog, or reach out to our specialists for tailored solutions. Keep your workforce covered, secure, and recognized this winter — with full compliance and confidence.