Preparing for the Season Across the UK, Northern Ireland, and Ireland

By Fiontar Safety Advisory team

As winter approaches, construction duty holders — including Clients, Principal Designers, Principal Contractors, and PSCS (Project Supervisors for the Construction Stage) — face increased responsibilities to safeguard workers, contractors, and the public from seasonal risks. Reduced daylight, wet and icy conditions, and cold temperatures heighten the potential for accidents, ill health, and operational disruption. 

This article provides comprehensive guidance to help duty holders plan, communicate, and implement effective seasonal safety controls in line with regulatory duties under the UK CDM 2015, CDM (NI) 2016 and Ireland’s 2013 Construction Regulations.

1. Planning and Leadership Commitment

Effective winter safety management begins with proactive planning and leadership. Duty holders should:

• Review and update Construction Phase Plans and Safety Statements to include winter-specific hazards.
• Conduct pre-winter site inspections focusing on access routes, scaffolding, lighting, and emergency arrangements.
• Revisit risk assessments and method statements (RAMS) to ensure weather conditions are factored into all high-risk tasks.
• Reinforce safety leadership through visible management presence, toolbox talks, and communication of seasonal risks.

2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Cold weather introduces new physiological and visibility challenges for site workers. Employers and contractors must ensure PPE is both weather-appropriate and compliant with standards.

• Thermal Protection: Provide insulated, waterproof clothing and gloves that retain dexterity. Avoid cotton layers which absorb moisture.
• High Visibility: Winter months bring low light; ensure all outerwear meets EN ISO 20471 or equivalent high-visibility standards.
• Footwear: Use anti-slip, insulated boots with deep treads for grip on ice and wet surfaces.
• Head and Hand Protection: Ensure hard hats have thermal liners and gloves maintain tactile sensitivity for tools.
• Eye and Face Protection: Fog-resistant safety glasses or visors reduce visibility impairment in cold conditions.

Duty holders must monitor PPE condition regularly and ensure replacement protocols are in place for damaged or ineffective gear.

3. Slips, Trips, and Falls

One of the most common causes of winter workplace injuries remains slips and trips, particularly on frozen or wet surfaces.

• Access and Egress: Keep walkways, ladders, and steps clear of snow, ice, and debris. Grit or salt surfaces regularly.
• Lighting: Maintain adequate illumination in work areas and along routes. Consider motion-activated lighting to conserve energy.
• Housekeeping: Prevent trailing cables, discarded materials, or uneven surfaces from becoming slip hazards.
• Signage: Display clear warning signs for slippery areas and ensure they are visible in poor light.

4. Work at Height Safety

Adverse weather greatly increases the risks of falls from height, one of the leading causes of fatalities in construction.

• Assess Daily: Review weather forecasts before commencing roof work, scaffolding, or tower access.
• Suspension or Delay: Do not proceed with work at height in high winds, freezing conditions, or heavy rain.
• Edge Protection: Verify that guardrails, toe boards, and scaffold platforms are secure and free from ice or obstructions.
• Access Equipment: Inspect ladders and platforms daily for ice buildup and mechanical integrity.
• Training and Supervision: Reinforce correct harness use, anchor points, and emergency rescue procedures.

Duty holders should document weather-based work stoppage criteria and communicate them clearly to supervisors.

5. Road and Vehicle Safety

Construction sites often involve increased vehicular movement, deliveries, and off-site driving. Winter weather magnifies these risks.

• Vehicle Checks: Ensure all site vehicles and plant are winter-ready—check tyres, brakes, lights, wipers, and antifreeze.
• Driver Awareness: Provide winter driving training covering safe braking distances, visibility management, and fatigue prevention.
• Site Traffic Routes: Keep access roads gritted and free from snow; use delineation and one-way systems where possible.
• Pedestrian-Vehicle Separation: Increase vigilance at crossings and loading areas during dark or foggy periods.
• Emergency Preparedness: Ensure vehicles carry de-icing agents, torches, warm clothing, and first-aid kits.

6. Individual Health and Wellbeing

Cold exposure can lead to serious health conditions including hypothermia, frostbite, and respiratory issues. Workers must be protected through a combination of controls and awareness.

• Rest and Warm-Up Breaks: Provide heated shelters, warm beverages, and rest breaks during prolonged outdoor work.
• Hydration and Nutrition: Encourage regular fluid intake and balanced meals to maintain energy and circulation.
• Fatigue Management: Shorter daylight hours and adverse travel conditions can impact worker alertness—adjust schedules accordingly.
• Mental Health: Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and stress levels often rise in winter. Ensure access to wellbeing resources and encourage open dialogue.
• Vaccinations: Promote flu vaccinations and respiratory protection awareness to reduce absenteeism.

7. Emergency Preparedness and Communication

Duty holders must ensure that emergency plans are reviewed to reflect winter-specific challenges.

• First Aid: Verify adequate first aiders are present and trained for cold-weather response (e.g., treating hypothermia).
• Communication Systems: Maintain reliable communication channels for isolated or remote workers.
• Contingency Planning: Prepare for site closures, transport disruption, and power failures with clear notification procedures.

8. Regulatory Framework and Duty Holder Responsibilities

Under UK CDM Regulations (2015) (NI) 2016 and Ireland’s Construction Regulations (2013), duty holders must ensure health and safety arrangements are adequate for foreseeable site conditions, including seasonal changes.

• Clients and Designers: Must consider winter risks during design and planning stages.
• Principal Contractors / PSCS: Are responsible for implementing appropriate welfare facilities, site access, and supervision measures.
• Contractors and Workers: Must follow established control measures and report unsafe conditions immediately.

Regulators such as the HSE (UK), HSENI, and HSA (Ireland) advise that effective preparation for foreseeable weather conditions is an important part of meeting duty-of-care obligations.

Conclusion

Safety Through Preparedness

Winter presents unique challenges, but proactive safety management, leadership commitment, and worker engagement can significantly reduce risks. By prioritizing PPE readiness, vehicle safety, slip prevention, work-at-height controls, and worker wellbeing, duty holders ensure not only compliance but also a culture of care and competence that endures beyond the season.