SEA/General/TBT-SEA-008

Frozen Ground and Ice Hazards

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Frozen Ground and Ice Hazards

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-SEA-008  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
PresenterProject
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What?

  • Frozen ground and ice create serious slip, trip, and access hazards in winter.
  • Black ice on walkways, scaffold platforms, and ramps is nearly invisible and extremely slippery.
  • Scaffold boards, ladder rungs, and access platforms become dangerously slippery when frozen.
  • Frozen ground may appear solid but can thaw rapidly, causing excavation collapse.
  • Plant and vehicle traction is significantly reduced on frozen surfaces.
  • Water supply pipework and welfare facilities can freeze and burst.
  • The Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations 1992 require safe access in all weather.
  • Gritting and salting must be done before shifts start on pedestrian and vehicle routes.
  • Early morning and evening shifts face the highest ice risk from overnight temperature drops.
  • Steel reinforcement, formwork, and steelwork surfaces become extremely slippery when frozen.

Why?

Prevent slipsIce and frost cause a sharp increase in slip and fall injuries every winter.
Vehicle safetyReduced traction causes collisions and loss of control on site roads.
Ground stabilityThawing frozen ground can collapse suddenly, undermining excavations.
Legal dutyEmployers must maintain safe access and working surfaces in all weather.
Do Don't
  • Grit pedestrian walkways and vehicle routes before the start of each shift.
  • Inspect scaffolds, ladders, and ramps for ice before use each morning.
  • Allow extra time and distance for plant and vehicle braking on icy surfaces.
  • Monitor weather forecasts and plan gritting for overnight frosts.
  • Lag and protect exposed water pipework and welfare facilities from freezing.
  • Report any icy areas to your supervisor for gritting or treatment.
  • Wear footwear with good tread and grip during freezing weather.
  • Assess frozen excavations for thaw risk before allowing entry or work.
  • Clear snow and ice from access routes, steps, and loading areas promptly.
  • Store grit and salt at accessible locations around the site.
  • DON'T walk or drive on surfaces that have not been gritted during frost.
  • DON'T climb ladders or access scaffolds without checking for ice first.
  • DON'T assume frozen ground is stable — thawing causes sudden collapse.
  • DON'T ignore ice on scaffold boards — clear or grit them before use.
  • DON'T drive at normal speed on icy site roads — reduce speed significantly.
  • DON'T use hot water to melt ice on walkways — it refreezes rapidly.
  • DON'T leave water hoses running overnight in freezing conditions.
  • DON'T pour concrete onto frozen ground without cold weather measures.
  • DON'T ignore burst pipes — report frozen or burst services immediately.
  • DON'T rely on sunshine alone to clear ice — shaded areas stay frozen.

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