As temperatures start to fall, employers must take swift, practical steps to protect staff from the serious health risks posed by winter working.
There may be no legal minimum temperature for outdoor work, but the duty to keep employees safe is absolute. Companies should consider postponing or relocate outdoor tasks wherever possible, but if work must continue outside, the following actions will help keep employees safe, maintain productivity and ensure compliance:
- Carry out thorough risk assessments covering low temperatures, rain, snow, ice and wind chill.
- Limit time spent outdoors through smarter scheduling or task rotation.
- Increase warm-up breaks to reduce cold stress.
- Provide heated shelters or mobile warming units.
- Encourage hot drinks to maintain body temperature.
- Issue appropriate PPE, including insulated gloves, thermal socks and layered, waterproof clothing.
- Train staff to spot early signs of cold stress such as hypothermia, frostbite and reduced dexterity.
Further best practice:
- Use a buddy system so workers can check on each other.
- Schedule the coldest tasks for warmer parts of the day.
- Monitor weather forecasts and prepare for rapid changes.
- Ensure dry clothing is available if workers get wet.
- Promote good nutrition to help maintain energy and warmth.
How can we help?
For further information about issues raised in this article, please contact a member of our Safety & Health — Training & Consultancy team.
