Winter Weather Safety Tips At Work

As we approach Winter, the days are shortening, temperatures are dropping and we are likely to see lots of frost, ice and snow across parts of the UK. 

An increased chance of dangerous fire activity, slip and fall injuries, COVID-19 and other seasonal illnesses are just a few of the risks that most businesses, regardless of location, face when winter arrives.

Every employer therefore has a duty to provide a safe workplace, and which is why we’ve compiled a list of our top 4 winter weather safety tips to ensure the safety and well-being of your employees. 

4 Winter Weather Safety Tips At Work:

1. Ensure entrances and pathways are gritted 
2. Ensure floors are regularly mopped 
3. Reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading
4. Keep first aid kit fully stocked

1. Ensure Entrances And Pathways Are Gritted 

Unfortunately, you can’t prevent all falls, but you can take precautions to reduce the risk of them occurring. According to the UK’s HSE’s Workplace Regulations 1992 Code Of Practice: “arrangements should be made to minimise risks from snow and ice. This may involve gritting, snow clearing and closure of some routes, particularly outside stairs, ladders and walkways on roofs.”

We recommend gritting and salting the car park, footpaths, steps and all main entrances/exits to the building. You may also want to place anti-slip tape or large, absorbent mats at every entrance to prevent slips once employees are inside the building.

At Morsafe, we stock everything your workplace needs for winter safety, including salt, grit bins, salt spreaders and shovels, just to name a few.

2. Ensure Floors Are Regularly Mopped

Snow and ice brought in on shoes will melt as it enters inside, causing floors to become slippery and a huge slip hazard. To prevent this, ensure floors are regularly mopped and display a wet floor sign to make people aware they need to be extra careful around that area. 

3. Reduce The Risk Of COVID-19 Spreading

There are a number of factors which are proven to accelerate the spread of respiratory infections, including COVID-19, during the Winter season. This is why it is more important than ever for workplaces to take precautionary measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading throughout the workplace as the colder months approach. 

Wear Necessary PPE

Personal Protection Equipment is designed to protect the user from harmful substances in the workplace, such as chemicals or infectious agents. Not only that, it can also help prevent the transmission of infection, such as COVID-19 between staff and patients. 

You can find all the PPE you need here at Morsafe, from safety goggles, gloves, face masks, and so much more. 

Regular Testing 

There’s no current law in the UK that says staff must be tested for coronavirus, but some employers might want to bring in testing as part of their workplace policy.

If this is the case, it is a good idea to keep a sufficient supply of lateral flow tests in the workplace to carry out regular testing. Find out more about lateral flow Covid tests here.  

4. Keep First Aid Kits Fully Stocked

As mentioned previously, not all falls and incidents can be prevented. In 2017 alone there were more than 20,000 occupational injuries related to ice, sleet, and snow… and those are just the falls that were reported!

If incidents do occur in the workplace, employers must ensure that first aid kits are fully stocked, so that they can immediately treat the patient.

As well as providing the correct first aid equipment, it is also important to know how to clean and dress a wound, in the case of a fall. If staff are unsure how to effectively use the tools in the first aid kit, they are simply pointless. 

For more tips from our experts, check out our blog page or get in touch with any questions you may have about winter safety at your workplace. 
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Written by Kate, for Morsafe Supplies.