Winter workplace safety: key considerations for UK businesses

As temperatures drop, businesses across the UK face unique seasonal challenges, from slippery surfaces to driving risks in adverse weather, especially if seasonal staff are being recruited. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 says that employers must ensure the safety of their employees, and anyone affected by their operations, including in winter.  So, you need to think about common winter hazards and how you can protect your teams, reduce your own liability and keep your business running smoothly throughout the colder months.

Here’s a few areas you need to think about coming into winter.

Preventing slips, trips, and falls

With icy pavements, wet floors, and rain-soaked entrances, slips, trips, and falls are among the most common workplace accidents in winter. Under Health & Safety law, employers have a duty to reduce these risks as far as is reasonably practicable. You need to make sure you’re:

 

• Clearing and gritting walkways: regularly clear paths, car parks, and entrances of snow and ice, using grit or salt to increase traction and prevent ice build-up.
• Providing signage: clearly mark wet or slippery areas with signs to alert employees and visitors to potential hazards.
• Encouraging appropriate footwear: employees should be encouraged to wear suitable, slip-resistant footwear in winter conditions, particularly those working outdoors.
• Non-slip mats: place absorbent, non-slip mats at all entrances to help reduce water being tracked inside and creating slippery surfaces.

Taking these precautions not only safeguards staff and visitors but also helps businesses meet their obligations under UK law to minimise foreseeable risks.

 

Driving for work in cold conditions

For businesses with employees who drive as part of their role, winter causes more risks . The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requires employers to manage the risks of driving at work, and this includes making sure vehicles are safe and drivers are properly prepared for cold conditions:

 

• Regular vehicle checks: carry out regular inspections of fleet vehicles to ensure they are winter-ready. Check that tyres are properly inflated and have adequate tread, and ensure antifreeze, windscreen washer fluid, and de-icers are topped up.
• Winter emergency kits: put winter emergency kits in each vehicle, including a torch, warm blanket, de-icer, and extra windscreen washer fluid.
• Winter driving briefings: provide refresher briefings or training to employees on winter driving techniques, including advice on adjusting speed, increasing stopping distances, and avoiding sharp manoeuvres on icy roads.
• Weather monitoring: encourage drivers to check weather forecasts before setting off and, where possible, to plan alternative routes to avoid hazardous conditions.

 

Recruiting and training seasonal workers

Many businesses hire additional staff to manage increased demand over the winter months, especially in sectors such as retail, hospitality, and logistics. Seasonal staff, however, often have limited experience in the role and might not be familiar with Health & Safety procedures. But, you’re required by law to provide the right training and supervision to all employees, including seasonal staff, to help prevent accidents:

 

• Effective onboarding: develop a comprehensive induction process for all seasonal staff, including a focus on winter hazards and company procedures.
• Job-specific training: make sure that new seasonal workers are trained for their specific tasks, especially if these involve winter risks, such as driving, outdoor work, or manual handling.
• Ongoing supervision and support: put experienced supervisors in place to oversee seasonal staff, so that temporary workers feel comfortable raising safety concerns or seeking assistance if needed.

 

Remember, this article covers key areas, but it’s essential to assess your unique business needs and stay vigilant for other potential winter hazards.