5 Work Safety Tips for Winter

[edit] Introduction

While different working environments have different hazards and there are hazards apparent throughout the whole of the year, in Winter, there are further dangers thrown up due to harsh weather conditions, like hail, snow and severe rainfall.

What’s more, in the Autumn and Winter months, there are less daylight hours. Therefore, the combination of Winter weather conditions, combined with darker days, cause an increased number of slips, trips and falls.

Here are a few things to watch out for during the Winter months to help stay safe. Browse our 5 work safety tips for winter:

[edit] Watch out for wet leaves and mulch

While Autumn leaves often look beautiful and crisp on dry autumn days, they soon become slippery when wet and cause hazards for those working on outdoor sites, as well as those simply walking to work or elsewhere.

Be aware to avoid piles of wet leaves when walking, and try not to walk with your hands in your pockets, in case you are to have a fall. If you have your hands in your pockets, you are far less likely to be able to stop your fall.

[edit] Beware of ice and black ice

When it drops to freezing temperatures, be aware that ice and black ice often form in areas that are generally wet and can also be found in unexpected places.

Again, walking with your hands out of your pockets and being extra vigilant with where you are stepping, may help to decrease the likelihood of a slip.

It is also useful to walk in well-lit areas and explain to your manager or business owner if you feel your workspace is not sufficiently well-lit.

[edit] Wear warm clothes

Wearing warm clothes is a sure-fire way of helping to keep yourself comfortable at work. Thermal workwear is ideal and can be worn beneath standard clothes or work uniform for extra warmth.

Thermal clothing can help keep your body at a comfortable and safe temperature during the winter months.

When working in darker hours, high-visibility clothing may be suitable and can help you be seen by passer’s by. High-vis wear essential when working on the roads, railways and more.

[edit] Don’t drive in severe weather conditions

If you feel unsafe to drive, then find an alternative means of transport in order to get to work. If this is not an alternative option for you, then you may have to explain the situation to your manager.

Driving in harsh weather conditions, like heavy snow and a severe storm, is dangerous and should be avoided as much as possible, particularly in areas where the snow has rested on the ground or areas prone to flooding.

[edit] Warm up before carrying out heavy physical tasks

Warming up before carrying out heavy physical duties can help prevent you spraining a muscle. Of course, it is important to warm-up before any strenuous exercise or activity, however, in Winter, as our bodies and muscles are colder and probably more rigid, warming-up before completing heavy physical duties is essential.

Follow these 5 tips and take extra care when the weather gets tougher to keep safe and warm at work this winter!

[edit] Find out more

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Cold stress.
• Construction work in hot weather.
• Health and safety.
• How to work safely on a construction site in the dark.
• How to work safely on a construction site in winter.
• Injuries on construction sites.
• Personal protective equipment.
• Risk of rats in construction.