Keeping Workers Safe in Winter: 10 Essential Tips

Winter brings a unique set of challenges for workers, especially those in construction, logistics, utilities, and other outdoor-intensive industries. Cold temperatures, snow, and ice can introduce new hazards, from slippery surfaces to frostbite risks. To keep workers safe and maintain productivity, it’s essential to adopt practices that address these seasonal risks.

This blog explores some of the control measures you can include within your workplace risk assessments.

1. Understanding Winter Hazards in the Workplace

Winter safety hazards go beyond just the cold. Some common challenges that workers face in winter include:

• Slips, Trips, and Falls: Icy, wet, or snowy surfaces make slipping a significant risk.
• Cold Stress: Prolonged exposure to cold weather can lead to conditions like hypothermia and frostbite.
• Reduced Visibility: Shorter daylight hours and severe weather can impair vision.
• Motor Vehicle Accidents: Snow and ice make driving conditions dangerous.
• Overexertion Injuries: Lifting heavy objects, shovelling snow, or operating machinery in cold temperatures can increase the risk of strains and injuries.

2. Educate Workers on Cold Weather Safety

Educating employees about winter hazards is a crucial first step. Hold seasonal safety meetings to discuss winter-specific risks and precautions, including:

• Recognising Cold Stress: Teach workers to recognise symptoms of hypothermia (shivering, confusion, and fatigue) and frostbite (numbness, pale skin, or pain).
• Emergency Procedures: Ensure everyone knows the emergency protocols, especially for cold-related illnesses or if they’re working in isolated areas.
• Proper Use of Equipment: Winter can affect how tools and machines work, so it’s essential to teach proper maintenance and operation practices for cold weather.

3. Dress for the Weather: The Importance of Adequate Winter Gear

Providing appropriate winter gear is one of the best ways to ensure worker safety. Essential gear includes:

• Layered Clothing: Dress in layers to trap warm air and allow flexibility. Ensure the outer layer is waterproof to protect against snow or rain.
• Insulated Gloves and Socks: Extremities are the first to lose heat, so ensure workers have gloves and socks that provide insulation.
• Head and Face Protection: A significant amount of body heat is lost through the head, so provide hats, balaclavas, or thermal headgear.
• Non-Slip Footwear: To prevent slips and falls, choose boots with good tread and slip-resistant soles. Ice grips or cleats can be added for extra stability.

4. Provide Proper Equipment and Tools for Cold Conditions

Winter-ready tools and equipment can reduce hazards:

• Insulated, Heated Tools: These prevent hands from getting too cold and reduce the chance of cold stress injuries.
• Snow and Ice Removal Equipment: Keep walkways, entryways, and work areas clear of snow and ice. Consider sand or salt to increase traction on icy surfaces.
• Portable Heaters: Use heaters in areas where workers take breaks, but ensure they’re properly ventilated and follow safety guidelines for placement.

5. Implement Safe Driving Practices

For workers who drive as part of their job, winter driving safety is essential. Here’s how to reduce driving-related risks:

• Vehicle Maintenance: Ensure vehicles are equipped with winter tires, and conduct regular checks on brakes, fluids, and defrost systems.
• Emergency Kits: Equip vehicles with winter emergency kits containing blankets, flares, first-aid supplies, and extra water.
• Safe Driving Practices: Encourage workers to drive at safe speeds, maintain a safe following distance, and avoid sudden movements on snowy or icy roads.

6. Schedule Smart: Adjust Work Hours to Account for Winter Conditions

Shorter days and lower temperatures mean that scheduling adjustments can help workers stay safe. Consider the following:

• Flexible Start Times: Starting shifts later can provide natural daylight, reducing visibility hazards and offering slightly warmer conditions.
• Breaks in Warm Spaces: Schedule frequent breaks indoors or in heated areas to allow workers to warm up.
• Limit Outdoor Exposure: For extreme weather conditions, rotate outdoor and indoor tasks to minimize the time each worker is exposed to the cold.

7. Promote a Culture of Reporting Hazards

Encourage a proactive approach by asking workers to report hazards immediately. Icy patches, equipment malfunctions, and visibility issues should be addressed as soon as they’re noticed. Set up a simple reporting system, either through a mobile app such as Whatsapp, or a designated supervisor, to keep lines of communication open.

8. Encourage Team Check-Ins and Buddy Systems

In harsh winter conditions, it’s safer for workers to check in on one another. Establishing a buddy system can ensure that if someone is showing signs of cold stress, there’s a partner nearby to help. Team check-ins at regular intervals can also help identify any potential hazards or injuries early on.

9. Provide Nutrition and Hydration to Support Cold Weather Work

Working in the cold can dehydrate workers just as quickly as working in heat, but people are often less likely to drink water in colder weather. Dehydration can exacerbate cold stress, so make sure water is readily available, and encourage regular hydration breaks. Providing warm beverages can be a morale boost.

10. Regularly Review and Update Winter Safety Protocols

Winter safety isn’t a one-time fix; it requires ongoing evaluation and adjustment. Conduct regular safety audits to identify any gaps in safety protocols, equipment, or training. Invite feedback from workers to understand any new challenges they face or areas where additional support would be helpful.

Conclusion

Winter conditions pose unique safety challenges, but with proactive planning, education, and the right equipment, employers can create a safe, comfortable, and productive winter work environment. Prioritising worker safety not only protects employees but also boosts morale and productivity. By taking these steps, businesses demonstrate a commitment to their workforce’s well-being, building trust and resilience within their teams.