The advice, published as part of the HSE weekly digest bulletin, includes:
- The increase risks of slips, trips and falls (still the biggest cause of reported workplace injuries in Great Britain) and some of the “factors to consider when avoiding these sorts of accidents. Ice and snow, poor lighting, excess water from rain and even gritting can all cause problems.”
A link to their guidance on Icy conditions and winter weather is also included - Slips and trips - Icy conditions and winter weather (hse.gov.uk)
- Also covered is the HSE guidance on working in cold weather, and in particular workplace temperature. The link to this guidance is - Managing workplace temperature (hse.gov.uk)
With energy costs a particularly significant factor this year, commercially as well as domestically, employers must remember that while there are no legal maximums for general workplace temperatures, there are suggested minimums through the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and its associated Approved Code of Practice (L24). The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, similarly require reasonable workplace temperatures for the indoor areas of construction sites.
In assessing your risks, you must also factor in the susceptibility/vulnerability of individuals to effects of cold weather, which can include:
- People aged 65 and older;
- Pregnant women;
- People with a long-term health condition; and
- People with a disability
The NHS provide further information on this at - How to stay well in winter - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
We at Assurity Consulting have already had our reminders about winter/cold weather work, travel and driving, hopefully you’ve had yours too, and while not from us we’d be happy to help if you need any specialist advice.