Winter Safety Tips to Protect Your Business & Employees

The festive season brings a mix of busy workplaces, office celebrations and unpredictable winter weather. It's a time for fun and letting our hair down, but it also presents potential safety challenges that need to be addressed by employers. We've provided some health and safety tips for business owners to consider over the next few months. 

Winter weather

Winter brings slippery conditions caused by ice, snow and wet floors, significantly increasing the risk of slips, trips and falls. Employers must be proactive in identifying and managing these hazards. 

• Clearing pathways and entrances: regularly gritting or salting walkways and car parks is essential to prevent ice building up, and reduce the risk of slipping.
• Signage for wet floors: indoor areas can become hazardous as staff bring in snow or water from outside. Ensure you have appropriate health and safety signage to warn of wet floors and clean up entrance areas quickly.
• Proper footwear: encourage employees to wear appropriate footwear with good grip during winter to avoid slips on ice or wet surfaces.

Conducting a risk assessment to identify areas where slip risks are higher can help create a safer environment.

Decorating safely for Christmas

Office decorations add festive cheer but can also introduce hazards if not properly managed. Here are some tips to decorate safely.

• Electrical safety: if your business uses lights or electronic decorations, ensure they are PAT tested and in good condition. Don't overload sockets and ALWAYS turn off decorations when leaving the office to reduce fire risks.
• Putting up decorations: they might look beautiful, but Christmas trees, garlands, and other decorations need to be securely fastened to prevent them from falling and causing injuries. Keep decorations away from heat sources like radiators and space heaters to reduce fire risk. Ensure staff do not stand on office chairs or other unsafe objects when putting up decorations. 
• Trip hazards: make sure that decorations, especially cords for lights, do not obstruct walkways. Use proper cable management to prevent people from tripping over wires.

Managing increased deliveries and stock levels

Many businesses experience a spike in deliveries and stock levels in the lead-up to Christmas. This can lead to overcrowded workspaces, increasing the risk of accidents.

• Safe stacking: ensure stock is safely stacked and stored to prevent items from falling and injuring staff. Keep aisles and access routes clear at all times.
• Manual handling: with increased stock movement, reminding staff about proper manual handling techniques is essential. Consider manual handling training to reduce the risk of back injuries or strains during busy periods; if your team is due a manual handling reminder, make it a New Year’s resolution to book onto one of our courses. 

Fire safety precautions during the festive season

Fire risk is increased during winter months, whether from heating systems, festive decorations or increased electrical use. As an employer, it is vital to prioritise fire safety.

• Check fire alarms and extinguishers: regular checks and maintenance of all fire alarms are crucial to ensure they function correctly when needed. Similarly, fire extinguishers must be serviced regularly and kept in easily accessible locations.
• Review emergency exits: always keep emergency exits clear of decorations or stock and make sure fire safety signage is clearly visible.
• Heating equipment: all portable heaters need to be in good working order and used safely; always keep them away from flammable materials.

Preparing for common winter injuries

Certain types of injuries are more common during the winter months, including slips on ice, burns from heaters or lights, and minor injuries from manual handling. 

• First aid kits: these must be stocked with necessary supplies and easily accessible.

• First aid training: having first aid-trained staff on site is crucial in addressing injuries promptly and efficiently. First aid training prepares your team for potential accidents and can significantly reduce the severity of injuries. We can provide First Aid Training courses on site, at a local designated training facility or at our Gainsborough Head Office. 

Winter driving and travel safety

Winter weather can make travel risky, especially for employees who drive as part of their job. Employers should take steps to maintain the safety of employees on the road.

To ensure your fleet is ready for the colder months, our colleagues at Safedrive, offer the following advice:

• Regularly maintain your vehicles, checking that tyres, tyre pressure, windscreen wipers, brake pads, and batteries are in good condition and functioning effectively.
• Use antifreeze in the radiator and windscreen wash systems to protect your vehicles.
• Consider fitting winter tyres for better performance in snow and ice.
• Equip vehicles with winter emergency packs, including provisions in case of unforeseen circumstances.
• Confirm that your fleet insurance is up to date and offers comprehensive coverage.
• Educate your drivers on how to handle various weather conditions and consider offering guidance on what to do during an extreme weather event.
• *Rule 229 of the Highway Code says: “Before you set off, you MUST be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from all your windows.” If the windscreen is obstructed in any way, the police can fine drivers £60

Contact us 

The festive season and winter weather conditions require employers to reassess workplace safety. By investing in manual handling and first aid training, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring proper signage, employers can create a safer, more enjoyable environment throughout the winter months. 

If you need any support or are unsure about any safety measures, don't hesitate to contact our teams using the details below.

Health & Safety
healthandsafety@skaltd.co.uk
01427 420 402

HR & Employment Law
hr@skaltd.co.uk
01427 420 403

Training
training@skaltd.co.uk
01427 420 405

Risk Solutions
risksolutions@skaltd.co.uk
01427 420 404