
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.
Custom Branded Winter Workwear for Delivery and Transport Companies
Insulated Hi-Vis Workwear – Stay Warm and Visible All Winter Long
Essential Winter Work Pants for Extreme Cold – Choosing the Right Trousers for Subzero Jobs
How to Choose the Best Insulated Safety Shoes for Winter Work in 2025
Best Hi-Vis Workwear for Truck Drivers in 2025 – Stay Visible, Warm & Compliant on the Road
What Makes the Best Winter Workwear Set? Essential Clothing for Cold Weather Jobs
⸻
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 Portwest, Snickers 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 hats, thermal gloves, and slip-resistant insulated boots complete the set.
All items in this setup are available through our winter workwear categories:
• 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.