Seasonal Hazards (Ice, Mud, Leaves)

Seasonal surface hazards including ice, frost, mud, wet leaves, and standing water dramatically increase slip and fall risk.
Slip injuries peak during autumn and winter when these hazards are most prevalent across UK construction sites.
Black ice is invisible on dark surfaces — it forms overnight and remains on shaded areas well into the morning.
Mud on walkways, access roads, and scaffolds is a year-round hazard that worsens significantly during wet weather.
Wet leaves on walkways, steps, and ramps create a slippery surface as dangerous as ice when compressed underfoot.
Standing water on walking surfaces, particularly on compacted ground and concrete, reduces footwear grip to near zero.
Proactive management means gritting before ice forms, clearing mud daily, and removing leaves before they accumulate.
Slip-resistant footwear with deep tread patterns helps but does not eliminate the risk on contaminated surfaces.
Temporary walkways, boarding, and matting provide stable walking surfaces over muddy or uneven ground conditions.
Site managers must monitor weather forecasts and implement seasonal control measures before conditions deteriorate.

Broken bones	Slips on ice, mud, and leaves cause broken wrists, fractured hips, and head injuries — proactive clearance prevents them.
Year-round risk	Mud is present in every season on UK sites; leaves fall in autumn; ice forms in winter — seasonal awareness is needed throughout the year.
Proactive beats reactive	Gritting before ice forms and clearing mud before it spreads prevents the injuries that occur when hazards are left until someone falls.

Do

Don't

Grit walkways and access routes before ice forms, not after someone has slipped.
Clear mud from walkways, scaffold platforms, and access roads throughout the day.
Remove fallen leaves from steps, ramps, walkways, and around site entrances.
Install temporary walkways and boarding over persistently muddy pedestrian routes.
Wear slip-resistant safety boots with deep tread suitable for the conditions.
Monitor weather forecasts and arrange gritting and clearance resources in advance.
Ensure adequate drainage to prevent standing water accumulating on walking surfaces.
Check scaffold platforms for ice, frost, and mud before use each morning.
Report icy, muddy, or leaf-covered surfaces that you cannot clear yourself immediately.
Brief workers on seasonal hazards and the need for heightened awareness during shifts.

DON'T wait for someone to fall before gritting or clearing hazardous surfaces.
DON'T leave mud on walkways — it gets worse throughout the day if not cleared.
DON'T walk across leaf-covered surfaces without checking for hidden ice beneath.
DON'T accept muddy routes as normal — install temporary walkways and boarding.
DON'T wear smooth-soled boots in winter — check your tread provides adequate grip.
DON'T assume mild temperatures mean no ice — frost forms on cold surfaces overnight.
DON'T let standing water remain on walking routes — drain or pump it away.
DON'T access scaffold platforms in the morning without checking for ice and frost.
DON'T walk past hazardous surfaces without clearing them or reporting them.
DON'T dismiss seasonal hazards as minor — they cause more injuries than many high-risk activities.

See also: Slips, Trips and Falls Awareness | Winter Working Safety

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