Winter brings a unique set of workplace risks that can significantly impact employee safety, productivity, and overall wellbeing. As temperatures drop and daylight hours shorten, employers must take proactive steps to ensure their teams remain protected. From icy walkways to poor visibility and cold-related illnesses, winter workplace safety should be a priority for every organisation, whether you operate in manufacturing, food production, warehousing, construction, logistics, or the care sector.
Below, we break down the essential areas to focus on to help keep your staff safe throughout the winter months.
1. Reducing Slips, Trips and Falls in Wet and Icy Conditions
Slips and trips are one of the most common winter workplace accidents. Icy paths, wet floors, and compacted snow dramatically increase risk.
Key safety measures:
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Grit and clear all external walkways before staff arrive
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Use anti-slip mats and clear “wet floor” signage in indoor areas
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Ensure staff have appropriate non-slip footwear
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Improve drainage around entrances and delivery bays
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Carry out regular walkway inspections
Providing staff with Manual Handling Training and Slips, Trips & Falls awareness can significantly reduce seasonal injuries.
2. Protecting Staff from Weather-Related Illnesses
Working in cold environments such as outdoor areas, warehouses, food production facilities, and loading bays can lead to hypothermia, frostbite, chilblains, reduced dexterity, and poor concentration.
Best practice includes:
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Supplying thermally appropriate PPE
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Allowing regular warm-up breaks
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Providing heated rest areas
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Rotating staff to minimise prolonged cold exposure
A winter-ready workforce is one that understands how to stay safe making First Aid Training essential during the colder months.
3. Managing Low Light and Poor Visibility
Shorter days and darker mornings increase the risk of workplace accidents, especially in car parks, yards, warehouses, construction sites, and outdoor areas.
To improve visibility:
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Install motion-activated lighting in under-lit areas
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Ensure all emergency exits and pathways remain illuminated
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Provide high-visibility clothing for outdoor or shift workers
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Carry out a lighting audit to identify dark spots
Good visibility is crucial for safe movement and emergency response, especially during winter emergencies.
4. Vehicle and Machinery Safety in Winter Conditions
Cold, wet, and icy weather affects vehicles, machinery, and equipment.
Employers should:
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Conduct frequent inspections of brakes, tyres, lights, and batteries
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Ensure grit and salt are available in loading and parking areas
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Provide winter driving training for staff using fleet vehicles
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Keep machinery dry and well-maintained to prevent electrical faults
Winter-specific hazards can be significantly reduced through Workplace Safety Training tailored to your industry.
5. Emergency Preparedness & Winter Safety Training
Winter increases the likelihood of power outages, equipment failure, weather-related delays, and emergency situations. Businesses should review:
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Fire safety and evacuation plans
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First aid provision and trained staff numbers
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Lone worker procedures
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Emergency communication systems
A safer workforce is one that is trained, confident, and prepared. Winter is the perfect time to schedule refresher courses in First Aid, Fire Safety, Manual Handling, IOSH Managing Safely, and specialist training such as Working at Height or Confined Spaces.
Protect Your Workforce This Winter
By planning ahead and investing in appropriate training, employers can minimise risks and protect their teams from the challenges that winter brings. We deliver practical, accredited training that helps your workforce stay safe and compliant all year round. Get in contact with us for more information on our courses.
