SEA/General/TBT-SEA-018
Winter Working Safety and Precautions
Seasonal & Weather › General › Winter Working Safety and Precautions
Toolbox Talk
Winter Working Safety and Precautions
Working on construction sites during winter brings additional risks from ice, frost, reduced daylight, cold temperatures, and wet conditions. Slips and falls increase dramatically, hypothermia becomes a real danger, and plant operations are affected by frozen ground and poor visibility. This talk covers the winter-specific hazards that operatives face and the precautions needed to work safely through the colder months.
Key Hazards
Slips and falls on ice-covered walkways, scaffolds, and access routes
Hypothermia and cold stress from prolonged exposure to low temperatures
Reduced visibility from early darkness, fog, and heavy rain or snow
Frozen ground affecting excavation stability and plant traction on site
Control Measures
- Grit or salt pedestrian walkways, access routes, and scaffold platforms before the start of each shift.
- Inspect all working areas for ice before work begins and apply additional treatment as needed.
- Provide adequate task lighting for work areas and access routes during reduced daylight hours.
- Ensure operatives wear layered thermal clothing and waterproof outer layers appropriate to conditions.
- Allow additional rest breaks in heated welfare facilities during periods of extreme cold.
- Monitor operatives for early signs of hypothermia including shivering, confusion, and loss of coordination.
- Check scaffold fittings and platforms for ice accumulation before allowing access at the start of each day.
- Review method statements for activities affected by winter conditions such as concreting and earthworks.
- Adjust work schedules to maximise productivity during daylight hours when visibility is best.
Remember
- Grit walkways, access routes, and scaffold platforms before workers arrive each morning in winter
- Inspect all working areas for ice before the start of each shift and treat as necessary
- Adequate task lighting is essential during the reduced daylight hours of the winter months
- Monitor workers for signs of hypothermia including shivering, confusion, and poor coordination
- Additional heated rest breaks must be provided during periods of extremely cold weather
- Method statements may need reviewing for winter-sensitive activities like concreting and earthworks
Applicable Legislation: Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 · CDM Regulations 2015 · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 · Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
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