Working in cold weather: what safety measures are needed?

Summer is over and the temperatures are starting to fall. As an employer, you have certain responsibilities when it comes to protecting your employees when working in cold weather. In this video, our Health & Safety development manager Lee Mockridge explains what these responsibilities are and how to ensure that you are meeting them.

Cold weather safety tips for employees

PPE

When temperatures drop, it’s crucial to ensure your employees are properly equipped to handle the cold. This means providing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as thermals, fleeces, insulated jackets, hats, gloves, and waterproof outerwear. The specific PPE required will depend on the work your staff are doing and the environment they are working in. Remember, the goal is to keep them warm and dry, preventing conditions like hypothermia and frostbite.

Regular breaks

Working in cold conditions can take a toll on the body. Encourage your employees to take regular breaks to warm up, especially those working outdoors. These breaks should be taken in a warm, dry space where they can rest and recover. Providing access to hot drinks like tea and coffee can also help to keep them warm and hydrated.

Monitor conditions and temperatures

Keeping a close eye on both indoor and outdoor working conditions is vital. Use thermometers to monitor temperatures in work areas, making sure they meet the recommended guidelines. In the UK, the general guidance suggests a minimum indoor temperature of 16°C (60.8°F) or 13°C (55.4°F) for employees engaged in physical work. If work is carried out outdoors, consider factors like wind chill, which can make temperatures feel much colder.

Make sure employees aren’t working on their own

Working alone in cold weather can be particularly risky. Always ensure that employees are working in pairs or groups, especially when outdoors. This allows them to monitor each other for signs of cold stress and provide assistance if needed. Having a designated first-aider within the group is also a good practice.

Consider flexibility

Flexibility can go a long way in ensuring employee safety and well-being during cold weather. Consider allowing employees to start work later in the day to avoid the coldest hours, especially if they walk to work. If outdoor work is planned, assess the conditions and consider postponing it to a warmer day or time.

Prevent slips, trips and falls

Cold weather often brings icy conditions, increasing the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Take preventative measures to keep your employees safe, particularly those working outdoors. This includes providing suitable footwear with good grip, and regularly gritting and salting pathways and work areas to prevent ice from forming.

Cold weather considerations for employers

Adverse weather policy

So your employees are clued up on what to do during these kinds of days, think about creating a clear adverse weather policy, so employees know what is expected of them. This policy should include details of when employees are expected to come to work in cold weather, what PPE they should wear and what to do if they feel unsafe.

Risk assessment

Employers should carry out a risk assessment to identify any hazards associated with working in cold weather. This assessment should consider the type of work being carried out, the environment in which it is being carried out and the employees who are carrying out the work.

Legal guidance on working in cold weather

While there’s no specific legal minimum or maximum temperature for workplaces, employers have a duty to provide a safe and comfortable environment for their employees. Guidance suggests a minimum indoor temperature of 16°C (60.8°F), or 13°C (55.4°F) when employees are doing physical work. It’s important to remember that these are just guidelines, and employers should always consider the specific circumstances of their workplace and the needs of their employees.

Occupational hazards related to cold weather working

Cold stress

Cold stress is a condition that can be caused when the body is exposed to cold temperatures for a prolonged period of time. Symptoms of cold stress include fatigue, shivering and confusion. In severe cases, cold stress can lead to hypothermia.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a condition that occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, confusion and drowsiness.

Slips and falls

Slips and falls are more common in cold weather because areas become slippery from the ice and snow. Employees should be extra careful when walking on icy or snowy surfaces.

Car accidents

Car accidents are also more common in cold weather because of the conditions on the road causing them to become less grippy. 

Frostbite

Frostbite is a condition that happens when the body tissue freezes. Symptoms of frostbite include numbness, tingling and pain.

Get guidance on protecting your staff during the winter months

If you’re a client and you’ve got any questions about more cold weather safety tips, remember, our Health & Safety consultants are here for you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with our Health & Safety advice line. And if you’re not yet a client, you can contact the team on 0345 844 1111 or hello@citation.co.uk to see how our Health & Safety services can support your business.