Have a Health & Safety question? Ask our in-house expert, Gavin.
This anonymous employer was concerned about their employees’ safety in adverse weather.
Here's their question:
Hi Gavin, As you (and most of the country will be aware) British weather at the best of times is unpredictable! But in the winter months, not only is it difficult to know how to prepare for it, but it also becomes increasingly dangerous. Whilst I’m confident my staff are competent and understand they have a duty to look after their own and colleagues’ safety, I’d be keen to know if there’s anything else I can do to support them. If you have any guidance, I’m all ears!
Gavin’s reply was:
“Hi Anonymous,
You’re right, the weather is both unpredictable and dangerous this time of year. I’m pleased you’ve reached out for support. It’s true that your employees should take reasonable care for their own and colleagues’ safety, but whilst I’m sure you’ve not forgotten, let’s recap employers’ legal duties:
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974: Employers must ensure the Health & Safety of staff and others affected by their activities, as well as ensure safe access and egress to the workplace.
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999: Risk assessments should be conducted and reasonable control measures implemented for foreseeable hazards, such as snow, ice, and reduced visibility.
- Workplace (Health, safety, and Welfare) Regulations 1992: External routes must be cleared, gritted, maintained and properly lit. Safe access and egress is required.
- Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998: Any vehicles used for work must be suitable and maintained for winter conditions.
When it comes to the personal safety of your employees, it’s worth viewing it as a joint effort. Adverse weather increases isolation and reduces visibility and opportunities for help. You should give the following personal safety guidance to your staff:
- Advise your workforce to be diligent, avoiding distractions like mobile phones and headphones.
- If staff are travelling alone, make sure they make somebody aware of where they’re going—that could be a colleague, friend, or family member.
- Encourage your staff to keep their valuables hidden and spread about their person.
- Ensure employees are aware of the procedure to report any incidents relating to their personal safety while working.
- Your staff should implement a buddy system during dark hours, and use well-lit, populated routes.
- If without their own mode of transport, use licensed taxis and wait in designated areas for public transport.
- Ensure phones are charged (suggest carrying power banks) with emergency contacts stored.
Staff who drive to and from work should be aware of these preventative measures:
- Check tyre pressure, brakes, lights and wipers.
- Lower speed and increase braking distances and avoid sudden manoeuvres, especially in icy or wet weather.
- Use the correct headlights for fog, rain, and low visibility.
For a comprehensive overview on how your employees can drive safely, click here for our free winter driving tips download.
Thanks for writing in and I wish you a happy (and safe) Christmas!
Gavin."
