Winter Preparedness
John Garnett-Turner FCMI FIMI
Excellence, Integrity and Collaboration ? Fellow - Chartered Management Institute ? Fellow - Institute of Motor Industry ? Member - IOSH ? Critical Risk Management ? Audits ? Inspections Experienced Senior Leader
Double whammy November!
This month we have 2 Newsletter editions, and that is because it's that time of year again....
The weather is changing and (If you haven't already) it is time to make sure we don't get caught out and have everything in place - ready winter.
Do you have value to add, or best practice to share? Please comment at the end of the newsletter, share the knowledge and start the conversation
Winter months can be challenging for construction workers, with the risk of cold injuries such as hypothermia, frostbite, and non-freezing cold injuries (NFCIs). To ensure the safety of workers on construction sites during winter months, it is important to follow the guidelines provided by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The HSE suggests that employers should provide workers with appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as insulated boots and gloves, as well as insulated clothing. Employers should also provide mobile facilities where workers can warm up and have a hot drink, schedule rest breaks more frequently, and consider delaying certain work to a warmer time of the year (where possible, providing this doesn’t compromise on safety).
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 state that suitable and sufficient steps must be taken to ensure that the temperature at an indoor construction site is reasonable, having regard to the purpose to which it is used. Where work is outdoors, the construction site must be arranged to provide protection from adverse weather and suitable protective clothing or work equipment must be supplied for the use of any person working there.
In addition to these regulations, employers should also consider other factors such as lighting, wet and decaying leaves, rainwater, ice, frost, and snow. For example, ensure that there is enough lighting around the workplace for workers to see and avoid hazards that might be on the ground. They should also put in place a procedure for removing leaves at regular intervals and discourage people from taking shortcuts over grass or dirt which are likely to become slippery when wet.
To keep workers informed about the risks of working in cold conditions, employers should inform them about the injuries they might sustain so they can react to warning signs. It is also important for employers to ensure that there are adequate and sufficient breaks to allow workers to warm up.
It is important for employers to follow HSE guidance and regulations when working on construction sites during winter months. By providing appropriate PPE, mobile facilities for warming up, scheduling rest breaks more frequently, and considering delaying certain work to a warmer time of year where possible, employers can help protect their workers from cold injuries. Employers should also consider other factors such as lighting, wet and decaying leaves, rainwater, ice, frost, and snow when planning work on construction sites during winter months.
Please share this newsletter with others in your network, who you believe would benefit from the sharing of SHEQ knowledge and Best Practice.
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You can also earn more about Winter Safety by visiting the Health and Safety Executive website (Linked Below) and by subscribing to the HSE bulletins.
Stay safe and informed, everyone! ????
John Garnett-Turner
ESH Advisor - Jacobs
Non-Executive Director - Garnett-Turner
TechIOSH | TMIET | Cert(HE) Law | AMInstLM
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