Winter work hazards: top 3 issues for employees to watch out for

Employers have a legal duty of care when it comes to providing a safe working environment for their employees. Some workplace hazards can happen unexpectedly, but most can be easily prevented through proper planning.

When the temperature drops, some workplace accidents, such as slips, trips and falls, increase. Many workplace injuries in the Winter can be avoided by employees wearing appropriate PPE and working in a safe environment.

In this blog, our workplace accident solicitors look at three Winter work hazards and how to avoid them.

1. Inadequate PPE

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is used to help prevent and minimise exposure to workplace hazards. Depending on the sector you work in, PPE can protect you from electrical, radiological, biological and chemical hazards which could lead to injuries and illness.

What PPE is required in Winter?

Those working outside or in cold areas, for example, construction workers, can be exposed to significant health risks and cold injuries if incorrect or no PPE is worn, including hypothermia, frostbite and reduced mobility. Specific PPE for cold weather work, such as gloves, eye wear, thermal protection, winter boots, face coverings and waterproof clothing can help reduce the risks of preventable health issues.

It is a good idea to look for the correct EN standards on PPE for Winter work.

Employers’ legal responsibilities for providing PPE in cold weather

Employers must give their employees PPE that suits the correct working conditions. This will allow them to carry out their work as best and safely as they can.

The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 provide guidance that employers are recommended to follow.

Employers should ensure that:

• PPE is assessed before use and is fit for purpose.
• Employees are given instructions and/or training on how to safely use the equipment.
• PPE is kept safe and maintained.

It is an employer’s responsibility to ensure PPE complies with product supply legislation. Most new PPE placed on the GB market must be UKCA or CE-marked, supplied with a declaration of conformity and have instructions in English.

2. Working in low temperatures

There is no minimum or maximum legal working temperature required for the workplace; however, there are practical steps employers can take to protect workers in high or low temperatures.

The Approved Code of Practice on the Workplace Regulations suggests that those working indoors should have the temperature at least 16°C or 13°C if the work is physical. Under health and safety law, employers should provide a comfortable temperature level and clean and fresh air.

The law on regulating workplace temperatures

Employers have a responsibility of care in managing workplace temperatures. The responsibilities differ depending on the location and whether it’s indoor or outdoor.

For those working indoors, employers must make sure fans or heating systems are in place for comfortable temperatures to be maintained in each space and in rest facilities (if necessary).

Cold stress

Outdoor workers could be considered at risk of serious health issues, especially due to the unpredictability of the weather.

In cold environments, cold stress can occur if safety measures aren’t taken. Early symptoms of cold stress include a cough and body aches. To prevent this, employers can introduce more breaks, delay the work until necessary, and provide adequate PPE and facilities for making hot drinks.

3. Poor lighting

Poor lighting is a dangerous workplace hazard. Whether too dark or too light, it can have a detrimental effect on employees’ health and safety at work and can cause poor health and accidents in the workplace.

Poor lighting in the workplace can trigger:

• Slips, trips and falls
• Migraines and headaches
• Eyestrain
• Poor concentration
• Irritation
• Vision problems
• Itchiness

It has also been linked to sick building syndrome.

As well as an impact on health, bad lighting can cause business disruptions due to staff absence and reduced staff productivity.

Employers’ responsibilities

Employers should carry out the following measures to protect employees against injuries due to poor lighting:

• Assess poor lighting risks: lighting must be monitored by the employer to ensure proper health and safety performance and standards. This includes:
  • Considering whether work lighting arrangements are satisfactory, or
  • Whether they pose any significant risks to staff.
• Managing poor lighting risks: under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSW), employers should assess possible risks in the workplace. This can include:
  • Incorrect use of equipment;
  • Unclear walkways; and
  • Employees working in unorganised ways.

If risks are found, the employer should ensure they are removed or reduced.

Workplace hazards due to poor lighting

If adequate lighting is not in place, hazards can occur.

Lighting hazards can include:

• Lighting effects, including glare, flicker, colour effects, reflections and radiation
• Incorrect design
• Improper lighting installation, maintenance, replacement and disposal
• Incorrect emergency lighting; this should already be installed to avoid dangerous repercussions

If an employee suffers an accident or injury because of poor lighting in the workplace, the employer will likely be liable due to failings of duty and care towards their employee. Employees can make an employer’s liability claim and seek compensation for any injury caused.

Contact our workplace accident solicitors

If you’ve suffered an injury at work, you could be entitled to claim compensation. To speak to a member of our Personal Injury team, call 0117 325 2929 or fill in our online enquiry form.