Clarity on what the law says about temperature in the workplace - winter working
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations require employers to provide a reasonable indoor work temperature which is all dependent on the work activities and the environmental conditions.
Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, employers must consider temperature risks to workers and put controls in place to protect them - whether the work is being done indoors or outdoors. The Regulations suggests the minimum temperature for working indoors should normally be at least 16°C or 13°C if much of the work involves rigorous physical effort.
Health and safety is essential for all seasonal and temporary workers
With many seasonal jobs available at this time of year, employers must prioritise the health and safety of agency and temporary workers, as well as new employees.
"Workers are as likely to experience an accident in the first 6 months at a workplace as they are over the rest of their working life." source: HSE.
Any new worker – permanent or temporary should receive a health and safety induction which explains the safety arrangements and workplace risks and controls. They should be given information and training specific to their role and provided with the necessary tools to complete the job safety including personal protective equipment.
Slips, trips and falls
At this time of year ground and floor surfaces can be extremely dangerous, which means accidents resulting in slips, trips and falls are likely to become more frequent.
Inadequate lighting, excess water from rain and even wet and decaying leaves can all create these types of accidents to increase significantly.
Slips and trips cause over a third of all major injuries and can also lead to other types of accidents, such as falls from height or into machinery.
Seasonal factors to consider include providing adequate lighting to be able to see and avoid hazards on the ground; checking for wet or decaying leaves and foliage which can create a slip risk; identifying icy areas and ensure action is taken during freezing temperatures. The HSE guidance includes:
Identify the outdoor areas used by pedestrians most likely to be affected by ice, for example: - building entrances, car parks, pedestrian walkways, shortcuts, sloped areas and areas constantly in the shade or wet.
Monitor the temperature, as prevention is key.
Employers need to take action whenever freezing temperatures are forecast. Keep up to date by visiting a weather service site such as the Met Office or the Highways England.
There are also smart signs on the market, available to buy at low cost, which display warning messages at 50 and below.
Put a procedure in place to prevent an icy surface forming and/or keep pedestrians off the slippery surface;
Use grit or similar, on areas prone to be slippery in frosty, icy conditions;
Consider covering walkways eg. by an arbour high enough for people to walk through, or use an insulating material on smaller areas overnight;
Divert pedestrians to less slippery walkways and barrier off existing ones.
If warning cones are used, remember to remove them once the hazard has passed or they will eventually be ignored.
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