WEL/Specific/TBT-WEL-008

Welfare in Extreme Weather

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Welfare in Extreme Weather

Toolbox Talk Record

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

  • Extreme weather on UK sites includes heat waves, severe cold, heavy rain, snow, and storm conditions.
  • In hot weather, workers need shade, cold drinking water, sunscreen, and adjusted work schedules.
  • In cold weather, heated welfare facilities, warm drinks, drying rooms, and insulated PPE are essential.
  • The CDM Regulations 2015 Schedule 2 require suitable welfare facilities for the conditions on site.
  • Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can develop rapidly in summer, especially during physically demanding work.
  • Hypothermia and cold stress affect outdoor workers in winter, reducing concentration and causing accidents.
  • Wet weather requires drying facilities for clothing and PPE, plus additional footwear and waterproofs.
  • Rest breaks should be more frequent in extreme conditions to allow recovery and rehydration.
  • Mobile welfare units must be positioned close to the work area to encourage use in all conditions.
  • The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 require reasonable working temperatures.

Why?

Prevent heat illnessHeat exhaustion and heat stroke are medical emergencies. Without intervention, heat stroke causes organ failure and death.
Prevent cold injuryHypothermia, frostbite, and cold stress impair judgement and dexterity, increasing accident risk significantly.
Legal dutyCDM 2015 and the Workplace Regulations 1992 require welfare provision appropriate to the working conditions on site.
Do Don't
  • Provide cold drinking water and shade for all workers in hot weather.
  • Ensure heated welfare units with drying facilities are available in winter.
  • Increase break frequency during heat waves and severe cold periods.
  • Supply sunscreen and encourage its use during summer months on site.
  • Provide waterproof clothing and additional warm layers in wet and cold weather.
  • Position mobile welfare units close to the active work area for easy access.
  • Monitor workers for signs of heat exhaustion, hypothermia, or cold stress.
  • Adjust work schedules to avoid the hottest part of the day in summer.
  • Ensure hot drinks are available to outdoor workers during cold weather shifts.
  • Brief all workers on the symptoms of heat illness and cold injury.
  • DON'T ignore signs of heat exhaustion such as dizziness, nausea, or heavy sweating.
  • DON'T expect workers to continue outdoors without breaks in extreme conditions.
  • DON'T lock welfare units or position them far from the active work area.
  • DON'T allow workers to wear wet clothing for extended periods in cold weather.
  • DON'T rely on workers to bring their own water; provide it as an employer.
  • DON'T dismiss cold weather risks because workers appear to be coping.
  • DON'T schedule heavy physical tasks during the hottest hours of the day.
  • DON'T assume welfare facilities meeting summer needs also meet winter requirements.
  • DON'T remove shade structures or cooling measures until the hot period passes.
  • DON'T penalise workers for taking legitimate welfare breaks in extreme conditions.

See also: Summer Heat and Hydration | Winter Working Safety
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