Other than low temperatures, what other hazards does winter bring?
The cold temperatures people work in are a hazard to manage; it is important not to forget other hazards that winter working brings.
Darkness
Winter brings with it shorter days. This means that travelling to and from work is often in the dark hours or within that twilight murk, which makes driving and even crossing the road as a pedestrian more hazardous. Ice and fallen leaves can cause incidents or hide slip, trip, and fall hazards.
Insufficient lighting in the workplace can also affect mood, cause fatigue, and, in general, put people who may already be struggling with their mental health at further risk. Bright lights also brighten people’s outlook and do make for a cheerier workplace. It is, unfortunately, a fact that an extra effort to support people’s mental health can be needed during this season.
Air Pollution
This is not really given the thought it often warrants, but the use of fuels (wood burners, gas heaters, etc.) to create warmth can and does also create indoor pollution. Due to it being cold, windows and doors are often kept closed to retain the heat (and the polluted air).
Air quality around a workplace can be polluted just by the amount of traffic that flows nearby. People tend to drive at lower speeds and in greater numbers during winter, as the use of bicycles is reduced during this time of year.
Dust is created wherever people live and work, and when cleaning products or other chemicals or substances, such as adhesives, are used, a heady mixture of fumes could accumulate and affect the health or clarity of thought of workers, who may even be driving home in that condition.
Consider air conditioning and the liberal use of plants in the workplace, as these are recognised as having beneficial effects, both cognitively and in terms of productivity, as well as generating oxygen.
Fires
Workplaces are more prone to fires during the winter months. Poorly heated buildings often have gas or electric heaters in use.
Specifically, with electric heaters, be sensible in their use
- Do not leave them on for long periods without supervision or someone checking in to ensure all is well.
- Do not leave anything flammable to dry and turn off any electrical equipment that does not need to be left on at the socket.
Remember, any device with a plug is portable electrical equipment that requires regular testing to ensure ongoing safe use.
Illnesses
This last item is likely the most obvious issue. People get ill, and in warm, poorly ventilated offices, colds, flu, or other airborne viruses can spread. Mask-wearing reduces the risk of passing on or receiving airborne viruses; however, the best way to manage this particular hazard is to have a well-maintained HVAC system that will clean and ventilate the breathable air. If this is recognised as an issue, then social distancing, mask-wearing, and the use of sanitiser should be remembered, as well as the option of working-from-home where it is applicable.
Final Thoughts
Not all of the above will be an issue for every workplace, but winter working happens every single year, and yet its effects seem to take us by surprise, nonetheless.
Consider how winter affects your business and make it a part of the organisation’s health and safety policy to identify hazards and assess the risk of them occurring, in order to determine if any appropriate measures would help.
Update policies where necessary, review risk assessments and safe working procedures, and where needed, amend them. Remember to update any instructions, training or supervision to the workers as required.