Managing outdoor winter work hazards
Wintery weather can be a nuisance for many of us, but for people who work mainly outdoors, it can be very challenging as winter brings with it its own range of hazards to the workplace. For industry sectors involved in outdoor work, there are many health and safety issues to consider and manage. This includes industries where workers are outdoors for much of the time, such as construction, building maintenance, highway maintenance, street cleaning, refuse collection and tree surgeons. It also includes sectors that can be affected because of working outdoors for some of the time, such as the emergency services, utility and telecoms engineers, delivery people and postal workers.
Rain hazards
Wet weather brings the obvious potential for slipping on wet surfaces, but there are some other impacts to be aware of. Heavy rain can impede workers who are operating machinery. Drivers need to be allowed longer for completing their journeys because of the dangers of skidding on surface water and restricted visibility in heavy rain. Employees working outside in heavy rain can quickly have clothing soaked, and wet skin causes the body to lose heat. Providing your workers with suitable clothing to stay dry for longer helps keep sickness at bay, and it helps ensure that the work can be completed. Look for protective workwear such as the Delta Plus Waterproof Hooded Rain Suit, which features elasticated cuffs to keep out wind and rain.
Wind hazards
High winds can bring treacherous conditions for outdoor workers, particularly those working at height. In order to comply with the Work at Height Regulations 2005, employers must check the weather conditions, and any working at height, whether using ladders or scaffolding, must be put on hold until the weather conditions are suitable again. After a period of high winds, scaffolding must be inspected to check for damage, and any necessary repairs made before it can be used again. In drier conditions, wind can also disrupt work by blowing particles of dirt into the eyes of people working outside. In extreme conditions, goggles may be required to offer eye protection. As with all work at height, there is a legislative requirement for plans to be in place for emergencies and rescue.
Fog hazards
Very poor visibility can be treacherous for anyone working outdoors. It affects road traffic safety, so roadworkers are particularly vulnerable in foggy conditions. High-visibility jackets can help in thin fog, but when fog gets dense, even hi-vis clothing offers limited protection. It is important that employees have guidelines on evaluating the risks of weather extremes so that they can assess for themselves on site whether it is safe to proceed with the work as planned.
Thunderstorm hazards
The risk of being struck by lightning in Britain is very low. Figures from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents show that typically between 30 and 60 people are struck by lightning each year, with around three of these incidents being fatal. Of course, this risk is greater for outdoor workers, particularly those working at height, such as on scaffolding or communication masts. Also, there is the greater risk of being distracted by the noise of thunder and the flashes of lightning, and this in itself can cause accidents. All outside workers need to be trained on thunderstorm and lightning safety. This should include guidance on signs to look out for in case storms develop more quickly in a different area than predicted. It also needs to cover the steps to take immediately before and during a thunderstorm. If a thunderstorm begins, workers should take shelter in an enclosed building with wiring and plumbing (since this will be earthed), if possible, and otherwise in a van or other vehicle. If workers cannot reach the shelter of a building or vehicle, they should avoid open spaces and bodies of water, and ideally retreat to an area with shelter from small trees, avoiding the tallest trees. Water does not attract lightning, but it does conduct electricity. Workers should stay in their chosen place for 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder.
Snow and ice hazards
Any outdoor work will inevitably bring more risks when there is snow and ice on the ground. In addition to having a duty of care to your outdoor workers, you need to consider how snow and ice hazards can impact the public if they may come into contact with your works (such as pedestrians near roadworks) or visit buildings you are responsible for. Tackle slip risks by removing ice and snow regularly from around the works or outside your premises. The one-man snow plough is perfect for getting rid of snow and ice, and is nimble enough to use in small areas. We also stock snow and ice caution signs to highlight risks to workers and the public.
Other hazards associated with low temperatures
Reaction times may be slower during extremely cold weather, which can increase the risk of harm in the event of an accident. In very cold weather, the body is not always able to move as quickly, our thought processing and concentration, and therefore speed of reaction, can also be lowered. Movement may also need to be more cautious to allow for slippery conditions. Extreme cold can cause damage to the body if workers are exposed to it for sustained periods. Frost nip, frostbite and hypothermia are all risks that employers need to be aware of. Outdoor workers are also at risk of dehydration. This can occur when a person gets hot and starts to sweat when wearing insulated clothing, which is designed to retain the heat. Make sure that all outdoor workers are familiar with the signs of these conditions and are trained in the required action to take.
Mitigating risks associated with outdoor winter work
From a health and safety perspective, the preferred option is to postpone work if the risks are high and the work can be delayed. In situations where the work is urgent, all reasonable steps must be taken to minimise the dangers, including doing risk assessments. All outdoor workers need to be provided with suitable protective clothing. Portable huts can offer relief from winter weather conditions, and should be provided where appropriate, including for workers who will be on the same site for extended periods. Keep in regular communication with outdoor workers during wintery weather. Do not rely only on mobile phones as the signal can be patchy in remote areas. Set up a regular contact plan and follow up if a check-in contact is missed.
Items to help reduce the risks are:
• Ice warning signs for car parks and walkways to ensure that people are reminded of the icy conditions
• Suitable first aid equipment needs to be provided and should be checked at regular intervals to ensure that supplies are replenished when used, and that out-of-date items are replaced
• Winter car care kit for workers on the go
• Thermal gloves to ensure that workers are kept warm in the cold conditions.