While the cold weather has not yet set in for the winter, we know that it is not too far away. Now is the time to make your simple preparations.
If your employees work outside and are exposed to cold weather and wintery conditions, you must assess the risks and make reasonable adjustments.
There are several considerations an employer must think about. Below, you will find some of these key considerations:
- Is the work necessary at this time? If it is reasonable, consider postponing tasks until after a cold snap or the risk of icy conditions has passed.
- Have employees been provided with appropriate PPE and clothing? And, as importantly, are they wearing and using this correctly?
- Do employees have access to a warm, dry rest area with access to suitable facilities? You may wish to consider increasing the frequency of breaks.
- Where it is possible, can you rotate employees across tasks to reduce the amount of time individuals spend outside.
- Cold weather may slow down tasks and productivity. You may need to allow extra time for employees to complete tasks.
- Look out for signs of distress or cold stress in your employees exposed to cold wintery conditions.
- During the winter months, lighting and visibility may be reduced. Is all outdoor lighting in good working order? Is additional task lighting? Should working hours be adjusted?
- In snowy or icy conditions, what arrangements are in place for gritting?
