Clocks go back – HSE issues advice for safe working in winter

Date:

27 October 2008

Release No:

SCO/167/08

Now that the clocks have gone back, and winter is approaching, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is offering some timely guidance to ensure workers remain safe during the colder, darker months ahead.

HSE Principal Inspector of Construction Peter Black said: “For those working outdoors, the winter months bring additional challenges to keeping safe.  Cold weather and shorter periods of daylight mean there is more potential for accidents to happen.  With a little planning, and common sense, these can be avoided.

"Operators of construction plant, such as diggers, telehandlers, cranes etc must ensure they regularly clean their windows so they can safely see all around.  This should be combined with constant use of mirrors and a banksman where appropriate.  Lights on all vehicles should be cleaned regularly to ensure vehicles are visible at all times, and vehicle depots should be well lit to avoid slip and trip hazards – workplace transport accidents account for many of the deaths and injuries we investigate every year.

"Farms and other outdoor enterprises must always ensure they have a suitable, robust procedure in place to make sure lone workers are safe.  In winter this is even more vital – if a worker fell and broke a leg in a remote location in the dark, how would they summon help? And who would be responsible for ensuring they had returned home safely at the end of the day?  Recent cases, including the tragic death of a gamekeeper have highlighted the vital importance of ensuring lone workers are protected and have the communications they need.

"Companies have a responsibility to provide adequate welfare facilities: 

• In winter it is important to ensure that water supplies do not freeze and that any gas heaters provided have adequate ventilation - Carbon Monoxide is a silent killer.
• Where appropriate provision should be made for drying rooms for wet clothing; and hot water for washing is even more important than usual. 
• Portable chemical toilets should only be used to support workers for short durations
• People who are exposed to vibration from power tools should improve their blood circulation by keeping warm and dry, where necessary wearing gloves, a hat, waterproofs and heating pads if available. Stopping smoking improves blood circulation, as does massaging and exercising fingers during work breaks."

Further advice on workplace health, safety and welfare for managers is available at
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg244.pdf [176KB]

Notes to editors

1. Section 2(1) of the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974 states: “It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees.”

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Issued on behalf of HSE by COI News and PR Scotland.