Cold Weather Workplace Safety: HSE’s Latest Guidance

Are You Protecting Your Workforce from the Winter Chill?

As winter continues to take hold, cold weather workplace safety remains a critical concern, and consequently, workers in outdoor and unheated environments face serious health risks, including cold stress, hypothermia, and frostbite. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued updated guidance to help employers protect their workforce and ensure compliance with safety regulations in wintry conditions. Are you prepared?

From maintaining safe workplace temperatures to preventing slips and trips, here’s what employers need to know to keep their teams safe during winter.

1. Workplace Temperature Requirements

Employers have a legal duty to manage workplace temperatures and protect workers from excessive cold.

🏢 Indoor Workplaces: The minimum temperature should be at least 16°C, or 13°C for physically demanding work.

🌨️ Outdoor Work: While no minimum temperature is set, employers must implement measures to reduce exposure to cold.

🔗 Read HSE’s guidance on workplace temperatures

2. Cold Weather Workplace Safety: Key Steps for Employers

For those working outside, prolonged exposure to cold weather, wind, and wet conditions can lead to cold stress, frostbite, and hypothermia. HSE advises employers to:

🧥 Provide suitable clothing such as waterproof and thermal gear
☕ Ensure regular breaks in warm areas
🔄 Rotate tasks to minimize time in the cold
📖 Offer hot drinks and educate workers on cold stress symptoms

🔗 Read HSE’s guidance on working outdoors in cold conditions

3. Preventing Slips and Trips in Winter Weather

Icy, wet, and snowy conditions increase the risk of slips and trips, making it essential for employers to take preventive action. Key steps include:

✅ Gritting pathways and high-traffic areas
👞 Using anti-slip footwear and mats
❄️ Clearing snow and standing water from work areas
💡 Installing adequate lighting to improve visibility

🔗 Read HSE’s guidance on preventing slips and trips in winter

Cold Stress in the Workplace: Top 5 Causes You Should Know

Keeping Workers Safe This Winter

By following HSE’s updated guidance, employers can reduce risks, improve worker comfort, and ensure legal compliance during the colder months. Taking simple yet effective measures—like providing proper PPE, scheduling breaks, and monitoring weather conditions—can make a significant difference in workplace safety.

For detailed guidance, visit the HSE website to access more resources on cold weather safety and workplace temperature regulations.

Weather and Cold Conditions in PCI and CPP:

Adverse weather, particularly cold and wintry conditions, presents significant risks on construction sites. Principal Contractors (PCs) and Construction Phase Plans (CPPs) must account for these hazards to ensure worker safety and compliance with CDM Regulations 2015.

At Safety CDM, we help navigate these challenges by integrating weather-related risk management into Pre-Construction Information (PCI) and Construction Phase Plans (CPPs). Our expertise ensures that your project remains safe, compliant, and well-prepared for all seasonal conditions.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support your construction project. Visit Safety CDM Ltd or email us directly at info@cdm2015regs.co.uk.