Outdoor Safety this Winter

The clocks have gone back and the days are getting shorter and colder (sorry we know it’s a depressing thought). On a brighter note we have some advice to help look after employees working outdoors.

Here are a few tips to keep your employees happy.

1. Provide appropriate clothing and footwear – under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, it is required that cold and wet weather clothing must be provided by the employer. So think about buying hats, gloves, scarves and warm, waterproof clothing for your staff.
2. Wear High Visibility clothing – darker days, old age and generally not paying attention puts staff working outside at risk. Make them stand out from the crowd with High Visibility Jackets.
3. Provide a dry, warm area where employees can take breaks – when working in the cold it’s important to take regular breaks to warm up (frostbite isn’t fun).
4. Provide facilities to make drinks – everyone loves a good cuppa and a hot drink will help your employees warm up, it also ensures they are drinking plenty of fluids, which is necessary in cold weather.
5. Keep moving – don’t sit in one place for too long. To help circulation it is important employees move around regularly.
6. Treat walkways/paths – as soon as you’ve finished the impromptu snowball fight clear all ice/snow from walkways and work areas to reduce the risk of slips and trips.