Winter Proofing Your Construction Site: Essential Safety Regulations

Year after year, the construction industry sees the most workplace accidents in the UK. A building site is inherently hazardous, with employees using powerful equipment and tools, working at a height and lifting heavy materials. There’s also a whole array of potential slip and trip hazards, including pipework, loose cabling and building materials. Winter introduces cold, icy, wet conditions and reduced daylight hours into the mix, increasing the potential for workplace accidents.

At this time of year, construction sites face heightened challenges in maintaining safety standards. To ensure everyone goes home safe and sound, construction companies must be well-versed in the relevant winter safety regulations and implement them effectively. Thorneycroft can play a crucial role in ensuring compliance and protecting workers’ rights.

The Cold Hard Facts of Construction Winter Safety

Winter weather will only add to the everyday risks faced by construction workers. Snow, ice and rain can increase the risk of a slip, trip or fall accident. High winds can also be dangerous, particularly to those working at height or those handling large objects that can easily catch the wind (such as corrugated iron). If a worker has cold extremities, they could easily lose their footing or their hands’ dexterity.

Working in freezing temperatures can pose a real health threat to workers, and this risk needs to be managed. As such, the HSE has issued several guidelines for protecting outdoor employees:

• Provide workers with the appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment).
• Provide mobile facilities where workers can warm up and have a hot drink.
• Schedule rest breaks more frequently.
• Consider delaying certain work to a warmer time of the year (where possible, providing this doesn’t compromise on safety).
• Provide training to educate workers on how to spot early signs of cold stress.
• Clear snow and ice from walkways, work areas and access routes.
• Grit or salt surfaces to prevent slips and trips.
• Ensure that electrical equipment is properly protected from the elements.

Several pieces of health and safety legislation applicable to construction sites will determine best practices for the Winter and, indeed, all year around. Here are some of the most important:

Key Winter Safety Regulations for UK Construction Sites

• The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015): These regulations require employers to manage the risks associated with construction work, including those arising from weather conditions. This includes carrying out risk assessments, developing safe working procedures, and providing adequate training and information to workers.
• The Work at Height Regulations 2005: These regulations apply to any work with a risk of falling from a height. In Winter, the risk of falls increases due to icy surfaces and reduced visibility. Therefore, taking extra precautions is crucial, such as using proper scaffolding and fall arrest equipment and ensuring that working platforms are clear of snow and ice.
• The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at Work Regulations 1992: These regulations require employers to provide workers with appropriate PPE to protect them from the risks of their work. This protection might include warm clothing, waterproof boots with good grip, gloves, and hats in Winter.
• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999: These regulations require employers to assess the risks to the health and safety of their workers and take appropriate steps to control them. This includes protecting workers from cold stress, hypothermia, and other cold-related illnesses.
• The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations mandates employers to assess and manage risks associated with hazardous substances used in colder months, such as de-icing chemicals, to safeguard workers’ health.

Thorneycroft Solicitors are here to help

Understanding the health and safety regulations can be challenging for construction companies. This is where practical advice from our experienced construction team can be invaluable for injured employees and responsible employers.

We offer expert guidance on workers’ compensation claims in the event of winter-related accidents. Our skill team will advocate for your employee rights, ensuring you receive fair compensation for injuries sustained due to inadequate safety measures or negligence on the part of the employer. Our services include a thorough assessment of the case, examining the circumstances surrounding the injury and evaluating the physical, emotional and financial impacts. We’ll gather evidence, collaborate with medical experts and establish liability by investigating potential negligence or breaches of safety regulations. We’ll fight for the compensation you deserve to support a favourable recovery and continued wellbeing.

We can also assist companies in understanding their legal responsibilities and developing robust health and safety protocols tailored to the specific challenges posed by winter conditions. This support will help prevent accidents, protect workers’ rights and shield employers from potential legal liabilities. Our experienced team can:

• Advise on compliance with the relevant regulations.
• Draft and review safety policies and procedures.
• Provide training on winter safety best practices.
• Investigate accidents and incidents.
• Represent construction companies in legal proceedings.

Furthermore, the Thorneycroft team can facilitate mediation and negotiation between employers and employees to resolve disputes related to safety concerns. We aim always to reach amicable solutions that prioritise workers’ safety while addressing practical constraints.
The winter weather brings many hazards to those working outdoors. Unless these hazards are effectively managed, they could result in increased accident rates on construction sites during the winter months. Implementing proper winter safety measures is not just about complying with the law; it’s about protecting the lives and wellbeing of workers.

Contact us today

If you are a self-employed construction worker and have had a workplace accident, you may be entitled to compensation. It would help if you spoke with an experienced personal injury solicitor. This way, you can be confident that you’ll get the legal knowledge and experience you need to offer your claim the best possible chance of success.

We offer a free initial interview to review your specific circumstances and assess the viability of your construction site injury claim. To speak to one of our specialist personal injury solicitors, call us now on FREEPHONE 01625 503 444, or complete our simple enquiry form, and we can call you back at a time to suit you.