SEA/General/TBT-SEA-017
Winter Working Cold Weather Precautions
Seasonal & Weather › General › Winter Working Cold Weather Precautions
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Winter Working Cold Weather Precautions
Working outdoors during winter months exposes construction workers to cold temperatures, wind chill, ice, frost, rain, and reduced daylight hours. These conditions increase the risk of slips and falls, hypothermia, reduced dexterity, and poor visibility. Planning for winter weather conditions, providing appropriate PPE, and adjusting working methods are all essential to keeping the workforce safe during the colder months.
Key Hazards
Hypothermia and cold stress from prolonged exposure to low temperatures
Slips and falls on ice, frost, and frozen surfaces across the site
Reduced dexterity making tool handling and fine tasks more difficult
Poor visibility in fog, early darkness, and heavy rain or snow
Control Measures
- Monitor weather forecasts daily and plan work activities around expected conditions.
- Treat walkways, access routes, and working areas with grit or salt before the shift begins.
- Provide adequate warm clothing, waterproofs, and thermal layers to all outdoor workers.
- Ensure heated welfare facilities are available for regular warming-up breaks throughout the day.
- Increase lighting levels to compensate for reduced daylight during winter working hours.
- Inspect scaffolds, platforms, and ladders for ice before use and clear any frozen surfaces.
- Allow extra time for tasks that are affected by cold, wet, or icy conditions.
- Reduce exposure time for workers in extremely cold conditions and rotate tasks where possible.
- Review risk assessments to account for seasonal hazards and brief the workforce accordingly.
Remember
- Hypothermia can develop gradually and affected workers may not recognise their own symptoms.
- Ice and frost make every walking surface and access platform a potential slip hazard.
- Cold hands reduce grip strength and dexterity, increasing the risk of dropped tools and materials.
- Regular warming breaks in heated welfare facilities are essential during cold weather working.
- Check scaffolds, ladders, and platforms for ice every morning before anyone uses them.
- Shorter daylight hours require additional site lighting to maintain safe visibility levels.
Applicable Legislation: Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 · Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 · CDM Regulations 2015
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