With winter firmly set in and January bringing consistently cold, icy and wet conditions across the UK, managing low temperatures in the workplace is an important health and safety priority for organisations of all sizes.
Cold working environments, whether they be indoors or outdoors, can impact comfort, concentration and, in more serious cases, workers’ health & safety if not properly managed and mitigated with control measures.
What does the Law say?
Health and safety legislation requires employers to provide a reasonable workplace temperature. For indoor work, guidance recommends a minimum of 16°C, or 13°C where work is physically demanding. Cold exposure can reduce concentration, increase fatigue and significantly raise the likelihood of accidents if not properly controlled.
For outdoor workplaces such as construction sites, employers must protect workers from adverse weather conditions and ensure welfare and rest facilities are maintained at a suitable temperature.
Cold temperatures should form part of your risk assessment. Employers must consider:
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The nature of the work and exposure time.
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Draughts, damp conditions and cold surfaces.
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Suitable clothing and PPE.
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Individual worker needs and vulnerabilities.
Workers should be consulted and encouraged to report concerns if temperatures become uncomfortable and/or weather conditions become unsafe.
Slips, Trips and Falls in Ice, Frost and Snow
Falls are one of the most common causes of serious injury on construction sites and winter weather significantly increases the risk. Ice and frost can form on scaffolding, mobile access towers, ladders, rooftops, walkways, stairs and work platforms - often overnight and irrespective of the material the equipment is made of.
To reduce the risk of slips and falls:
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Identify pedestrian areas most at risk, such as entrances, car parks, walkways, sloped areas and shaded or damp zones
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Monitor weather forecasts and act whenever freezing temperatures are predicted
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Grit areas prone to becoming slippery and allow ample time for salt to work
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Divert pedestrians to safer routes and barrier off hazardous areas where required
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Remove warning cones once hazards have passed to prevent complacency
Where practical, consider covering walkways or using insulating materials to reduce ice formation.
Winter Driving On and Off Site
Winter driving risks apply both on public roads and construction sites. Icy conditions, reduced visibility and large vehicles increase the likelihood of incidents.
Good practice includes:
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Ensuring vehicles are well maintained with adequate tyre tread and antifreeze
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Carrying emergency supplies such as warm clothing, water and blankets
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Adjusting driving style to conditions
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Considering whether journeys are necessary in severe weather
Recognising the Symptoms of Hypothermia
Always monitor your own physical condition and that of your colleagues when working in cold environments.
Early signs of hypothermia can include shivering, fatigue, loss of coordination, confusion and disorientation. If these symptoms are noticed, action should be taken immediately to warm the individual and reduce further exposure.
More serious, late-stage symptoms may include the absence of shivering, blue or pale skin, dilated pupils, slow pulse or breathing, and loss of consciousness. These signs indicate a medical emergency and require urgent medical attention.
Being able to recognise the warning signs early can prevent serious injury and potentially save lives.
Practical Steps to Protect Workers in the Cold
Simple control measures can significantly reduce the risks of cold working conditions:
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Provide a dedicated heated break facility (or mobile heaters where required), as well as regular breaks, to allow workers to warm up.
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Supply suitable cold-weather PPE, including insulated footwear, gloves and full-body overalls.
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Reduce interior draughts while maintaining ventilation.
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Ensure workers have easy access to hot drinks, such as tea and coffee.
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Allow more frequent rest breaks and use work-rotor to reduce each workers time spent in cold conditions.
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Delaying non-essential work during extreme cold and weather conditions where possible - always check the weather forecast before committing to long outdoor tasks.
Workers can help by wearing appropriate layers, taking regular warm-up breaks, and reporting issues promptly. Employers should reassess risks if concerns are raised and take swift action to protect their teams.
Everyone Has a Part to Play in Safety
Building awareness and embedding good, risk-based decisions at every level of your organisation is core to safely working in winter.
At Kentec Training, we support employers and workers to build safer workplaces through developing their skills, competence and confidence all year round, and when it comes to training, the weather doesn’t stop us. Our practical courses are delivered in exclusively indoor training facilities, meaning cold, ice, wind, rain and other adverse weather won’t disrupt learning, practical sessions or assessments.
Train comfortably, train safely, and stay on schedule - whatever the weather outside.
Stay warm and stay safe this winter.
📞 Want to learn more about working safely in cold conditions? Get in touch today on 0333 666 0555 or email info@kentectraining.co.uk. We're here to help!
