Frozen ground, ice, and frost create treacherous conditions on construction sites during winter months. Walkways, scaffold platforms, access ramps, and vehicle routes become dangerously slippery overnight. Slips and falls on ice are among the most frequent winter injuries in the construction industry. This talk covers the precautions needed to work safely when frost and ice are present on UK sites.
Key Hazards
Slips and falls on frozen walkways, ramps, and scaffold platforms
Vehicle skidding on icy haul roads and access routes
Frozen ground concealing trip hazards beneath a thin layer of ice
Scaffold boards and ladder rungs becoming extremely slippery with frost
Control Measures
Grit and salt all pedestrian walkways, access ramps, and stairways before the shift starts.
Clear ice and frost from scaffold platforms, ladders, and access equipment before use.
Reduce vehicle speed limits on all haul roads and access routes during icy conditions.
Inspect the site for ice formation during cold snaps and respond before workers arrive.
Provide additional grit bins at key locations around the site for ongoing treatment.
Ensure adequate lighting on all access routes so icy patches are visible to pedestrians.
Brief all operatives on the gritting plan and the location of grit bins on site.
Delay work at height activities until frost and ice have been cleared from working platforms.
Provide footwear with good grip and consider ice cleats for workers on exposed routes.
Remember
Grit and salt all pedestrian routes and access ramps before workers arrive each morning
Clear frost and ice from scaffold platforms, ladders, and access equipment before use
Reduce vehicle speeds on haul roads and increase following distances in icy conditions
Delay work at height until frost and ice are cleared from all working platforms
Report any untreated icy areas to your supervisor so they can be gritted promptly
Applicable Legislation: Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 · CDM 2015 · MHSWR 1999 · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974