The warm weather is finally here, but think back to harsh winters and icy conditions most security staff wish to forget earlier this year. Spare a thought for the thousands of workers battling with uncertain temperatures like security guards working night shifts on frosty sites.

For many security guards, icy and cold conditions are a very true reality, arctic conditions can make it very difficult to do their jobs both safely and effectively. The correct security uniforms are key allies against the cold, and choosing the right uniform is essential to ensure staff safety and morale. Here are our top tips for selecting the right uniforms for security to keep your staff warm.

By now we all know that keeping warm is all about layering. The best layer to begin with is thermal t-shirts and long johns, made from advanced fabrics to form a strong base layer protecting from the cold. The next should be a quality shirt, with a decent tail to make sure it doesn't get pulled out. Team this up with a substantial woollen nato jumper or fleece and this gives both warmth and smart looking uniforms.

Correct footwear is essential when tackling treacherous conditions - shoes should ideally be water-repellent, quick drying and EN-certified for slip resistance. Snow grips may also be needed if conditions are like they were over Christmas!

Security uniform jackets need to comply to the EN343 standards for protection against rain, for specific duties they should also be EN471-certified, and you should consider splashing out on Reflexite tape for significant health and safety benefits. Waterproof and breathable jackets are the most needed item of kit you supply for your team- both for keeping your staff warm and sheilded from the rain and also for providing a professional appearance. Many jackets are now commonly available in a number of colours to compliment all corporate images. Why not choose something different to the bog-standard yellow, which everyone seems to be wearing today.

Last but not least, winter accessories are a great low cost method to combat the cold. Balaclavas, neck warmers, scarves and gloves can be a superb boost for cold security guards - and they don't cost a fortune.

We hope this provides some useful information about uniforms security staff will feel comfortable in during wintery conditions; we'll be posting more next month about other ways that uniforms can keep your staff safe, happy and productive. Bookmark this page ready for the warm weather, we will be sharing tips on how to keep your staff cool in the summer sun.