Winter weather has the potential to hit the UK hard, with strong winds, freezing temperatures, snow, ice and lots of rain. These can cause hazards for construction workers on site. As the weather is uncontrollable and unpredictable, it is important to take extra precautions to ensure all operatives stay safe.

Falls are one of the most common accidents on site and they can happen all year round. However, the risk of falling in the winter weather increases due to ice and wet, slippery surfaces. If these areas are not treated correctly they can cause workers to slip and fall, sometimes from height, causing injuries such as broken bones, fractures, traumatic brain injuries and even death.

Driving accidents don’t just happen on the roads, they can also happen on construction site. Being on a construction site, it is easy to forget that winter driving rules for the road still apply. It is also important to remember that construction vehicles aren’t usually as agile as cars because of their size and weight.

Temperatures that fall to near or below freezing can be dangerous to a person’s health. Especially whilst working outside. If rain causes the skin to become damp this can contribute to heat loss from the body, and the body may not be able to warm itself up.

A few tips from us to keep yourself safe this winter!

• Covering any areas that could be hit by the weather worse than others
• Creating warm breaks so workers can warm up.
• Outside work to be carried out in shorter durations, making sure operatives do not have to face the cold weather for long periods of time.
• Providing the correct PPE so when operatives are working outside none of their skin is exposed and they are fully insulated to keep body heat and prevent the cold weather affecting them.
• Regular Toolbox Talks about how to work safely when the bad weather hits and what to do to prevent any accidents.
• Checking the area for any new hazards that could have been caused by the cold weather.