As winter continues, low temperatures and wintry conditions can create challenging and potentially hazardous work environments. Ensuring safety and comfort during this season helps productivity and fulfils a legal and ethical obligation.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides valuable guidance on protecting employees in winter. In this blog, we discuss the dangers of working in cold places and provide ways to stay safe, based on HSE advice.
Understanding the Risks of Cold Weather Work
Exposure to cold environments can lead to various health and safety issues, including:
- Cold Stress: Prolonged exposure to low temperatures can result in cold stress, which can cause hypothermia, frostbite, or chilblains.
- Reduced Circulation: Cold conditions can impair blood flow, leading to stiffness and reduced dexterity. This increases the likelihood of accidents, especially when using tools or machinery.
- Tiredness and Impaired Judgment: The body uses more energy to stay warm, potentially leading to fatigue and slower reaction times.
- Increased Risk of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS): The type of work that involves operating vibrating tools in cold environments is at heightened risk of HAVS due to restricted blood flow.
- Accidents Due to Weather Conditions: Ice, snow, and frost can lead to slips, trips, and falls, further endangering workers.
Legal Regulations Surrounding Cold Weather Working in the UK
Under UK law, employers must provide a safe working environment, including reasonable workplace temperatures. Key regulations include:
What is the Legal Minimum Temperature for Working Outdoors in the UK?
The UK does not have specific advice on a minimum temperature for outdoor work. However, work law requires employers to ensure a "reasonable" workplace temperature. They must consider extreme weather and low temperatures when assessing risks and making necessary adjustments.
At What Point Should Outdoor Work Be Halted Due to Cold Weather?
The choice to stop work because of cold weather depends on assessing the risks. Very low temperatures can affect workplace health, so work arrangements may need to change. It is important to think about the temperatures, the wind chill, and what employees say. Practical steps, like giving workers warm breaks, can help.
How to Keep Workers Safe in the Cold Weather
1. Conduct a Workplace Temperature Risk Assessment
HSE’s Workplace Temperature Checklist can help identify risks. Key questions to consider include:
- Have workers complained about temperatures?
- Does the air feel too cool, or is there direct exposure to draughts?
- Is work being done outdoors?
- Are workers wearing PPE, which affects their ability to stay warm?
If you answer ‘yes’ to two or more of these questions, you should assess the risks and take protective measures.
2. Implement Practical Controls
To minimise the effects of temperature drops, employers can:
Indoor Workplaces
- Provide Adequate Sources of Heat: Use portable heaters or heating systems to maintain a minimum of 16°C (or 13°C for strenuous tasks).
- Control Draghts: Seal windows and doors to reduce draughts while ensuring adequate ventilation.
- Offer Warm Rest Facilities: Provide heated spaces for breaks and access to hot drinks.
- Use Insulating Floor Coverings: When workers must stand for long periods, ensure floors are insulated or provide special footwear.
Outdoor Workplaces
- Adjust Work Schedules: Where possible, you should schedule outdoor work for warmer parts of the day.
- Provide Mobile Warming Facilities: Ensure access to heated shelters and hot beverages.
- Issue Suitable PPE: Equip workers with thermal gloves, insulated footwear, and appropriate layers to retain warmth.
- Introduce Rest Breaks: Allow regular breaks in heated areas to prevent prolonged exposure to the cold.
3. Educate Workers on Cold Stress
Employers should train workers to recognise early signs of cold stress, such as shivering, fatigue, confusion, and skin discolouration. Encouraging workers to report these symptoms promptly can prevent serious health issues.
4. Review and Adapt PPE Usage
While PPE is essential in cold environments, it can sometimes contribute to discomfort if not managed properly. To address this:
- Ensure workers are provided with thermal PPE designed for cold conditions, such as insulated gloves and boots.
- Allow workers to add or remove layers of clothing under PPE to regulate their body temperature.
- Provide facilities for drying or replacing wet PPE to maintain its insulation properties.
- Evaluate whether updated or alternative PPE options can improve both safety and comfort in cold conditions.
What PPE is Recommended for Cold Weather Work?
To fight against low temperatures, it is important to use personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes insulated jackets, trousers, gloves, hats, and thermal socks. Using these items helps keep you safe at work and improves thermal comfort.
How Often Should Risk Assessments Be Conducted in Cold Working Conditions?
Risk assessments for cold environments need regular checks. This is especially important at the start of the winter or before doing tasks that require long periods outside. Changes in workplace health, extreme weather, or long outdoor work processes require reassessment.
Why Risk Assessments Are Key to Safe Working Temperature
Assessing workplace temperatures is a proactive way to identify and mitigate risks. HSE’s checklist covers areas such as air temperature, humidity, air movement, and workers’ metabolic rate. By addressing these factors, employers can create safer, more comfortable environments.
Temperature Checklist: What to Check
Maintaining a workplace within a reasonable temperature range is crucial for employee well-being and productivity. Employers can utilise a simple checklist to ensure a comfortable working environment, especially during colder months. This involves regular monitoring of workplace temperature using thermometers placed in different work areas.
Thermal comfort considers air temperature and factors like humidity, air movement, and radiant temperature. Adjust heating systems and implement ventilation strategies that maintain a balance between these factors, ensuring a comfortable and healthy workspace.
Here's a quick checklist for your reference:
Area to Check | Description | Action Required |
Workplace temperature | Is the temperature at least 16°C (or 13°C for strenuous work)? | Adjust heating systems if necessary |
Thermal comfort | Are employees comfortable with the current temperature and humidity levels? | Consider using dehumidifiers, fans, or opening windows for ventilation. |
Low temperatures | Are there specific cold areas? Or areas prone to draughts? | Provide localised heating or consider relocating workstations. |
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, it is very important to understand and follow HSE guidelines for working in cold weather and extreme temperatures. This helps keep employees healthy and safe.
Employers can reduce the risks of working in colder environments by conducting detailed risk assessments, checking temperatures, and providing suitable PPE. It is key to stay updated on legal rules about winter work in the UK. This ensures compliance and protects workers' well-being. Focusing on safety measures protects employees and helps create a productive and secure workspace.
