As an employer, it’s important you take your duty of care seriously. You must ensure your employees are protected all year round while under your care.
One of the biggest risks to your workers is the winter weather and it’s vital you invest in appropriate winter safety equipment to protect them and also maintain business operations during harsh weather conditions. In this article we take a look at how you can do this and some top tips for handling winter-related challenges.
Conducting a Comprehensive Winter Risk Assessment
When looking to equip your business with essential snow and ice safety equipment, the first thing you need to do is conduct a comprehensive winter risk assessment. Outline the potential winter hazards which are specific to your business environment and detail how to address them effectively.
Review outside areas for hazards such as icy walkways and poor drainage systems and check the inside for malfunctioning heating systems and wet floors from snow that might be brought in on people’s shoes. Check your lighting is sufficient so people can see in dark winter evenings and check your roof, gutter and drainage systems are sufficient enough to handle snow and prevent ice dams from forming.
You should add some anti-slip mats and warning signs in high-risk areas such as at the entrance to external doors or by staircases. If you’re a business with a fleet of vehicles, ensure they’re prepared for the season with winter tires, defrosting systems and that vehicles have all had recent brake checks.
Implementing Effective Snow and Ice Management Practices
Implementing effective snow and ice management practices is vital for keeping your employees safe. You should invest in efficient snow-clearing equipment such as shovels and spreaders, as well as de-icing agents which can help to clear ice and prevent falls. Put this down when snow is predicted so it can prevent build up and stop any issues before they happen. It’s a good idea to stockpile these winter safety supplies to avoid shortages when everyone rushes to purchase them last minute! You can also purchase large grit bins which can be kept outside of the building and provide easy access to de-icing salt or grit.
If you live in an area where regular, heavy snow is forecast, it can be worth having a backup snow removal service details in case the conditions are so extreme you either can’t get in or out.
Regularly inspect the areas you’ve treated to ensure they’re fully covered and re-apply de-icing agents as often as needed. Remember it’s always better to be overcautious than under cautious. It’s also a good idea to get signs which warn of snow and ice, especially for areas which are particularly hazardous or high footfall like the car park.
If your employees are required to regularly go in and out, ensure there are high-vis jackets and clothing they can wear, as well as safety wellington boots to keep their grip on the floor and feet protected from the elements.
Ensuring Employee Safety and Well-being During Winter Months
While keeping your employees safe is your responsibility, they also need to take precautions and steps too. Educate your employees on how to recognize winter hazards and how they can report unsafe conditions. You should send them on a training course for first aid to treat cold-related injuries such as frostbite or hypothermia and how to deal with any minor injuries from slips and falls due to the cold weather.
If they have to work outside, ensure you supply them with thermal clothing to keep warm, as well as high-vis clothing so they can be seen in dark or foggy conditions. Provide non-slip footwear, gloves and warming stations or break areas where they can warm up with a hot drink and get out of the cold. Encourage them to rest regularly when doing strenuous tasks as the cold can make it much more taxing on the body.
You can send emails to regularly communicate with your employees, reminding them of safety protocols for the winter months and asking if they have any questions or have any feedback for your current safety measures. If there are any severe weather updates and operational changes because of this, communicate them promptly with your team and make sure everyone knows what they’re meant to be doing and when.
Maintaining Business Continuity Amidst Winter Disruptions
There’s no denying that winter conditions can cause disruption, but it’s important you’re prepared. Have a group messaging app set up so you can alert employees during emergencies and maintain communication with suppliers and customers in the event of delays. Conduct drills so everyone knows what to do in different scenarios and, if it works for your business, invest in technology so people can work remotely if they can’t get in. If they are able to get in, plan for backup power sources for things such as heating and power to ensure conditions remain comfortable.
Read more:
Winter-Proofing Your Small Business: Essential Strategies for SMEs
