Slips and Trips in Icy Weather: Don’t Let Winter Catch You Off Guard
As temperatures drop and pavements freeze, the risks of slips and trips rises sharply. Icy surfaces are deceptively dangerous—what looks like a harmless patch of frost could send you flying.
Slips and trips in icy weather aren’t just inconvenient—they can lead to serious injury. A few simple precautions can make all the difference.
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Driving Responsibly
Employees must adapt their driving to winter hazards:
These behaviours align with health and safety law, which applies to work-related driving just as it does on-site.
Legal and Employer Expectations
Under UK law and employer policies, employees must:
Employers are required to manage road safety risks, but employees play a key role in executing those plans.
Emergency Preparedness
Employees should carry a winter emergency kit, especially for longer journeys:
This is particularly important for lone workers or those driving in rural areas.
When Not to Drive
If conditions are too dangerous, employees should:
Employers must support safe decision-making and not penalize employees for refusing to drive in hazardous conditions
Winter arrives in earnest in November, bringing additional risks and heavier operational pressures. It’s also a fitting time to reflect on workplace safety culture and legacy.
Key Focus Areas and Relevant UK Campaigns:
– Winter Driving Risks: Icy roads and shortened daylight demand fleet checks, safe driving guidance, and realistic scheduling.
– Fire Safety Alertness: With increased heating use, revisiting fire risk assessments and conducting evacuation drills is key.
– Slips, Trips & Falls: Frost and ice can cause serious incidents. Gritting plans, clear signage, and robust housekeeping are essential.
2. Safety Culture Reflection
– Health and Safety at Work Act Anniversary – 31 July (celebrated throughout 2025): 2024 marked the 50th anniversary of the landmark Health and Safety at Work Act 1974—foundational legislation that revolutionised workplace safety in the UK (https://www.britsafe.org/safety-management/2024/a-golden-era-of-safety-50-years-of-the-health-and-safety-at-work-act).
3. Staff Wellbeing
Shorter days can lower morale and productivity. Encourage breaks, organise social connection opportunities, and highlight wellbeing support to prevent fatigue-related risks.
4. Environmental Efficiency
– Energy Usage Management: As heating and lighting needs rise, encourage efficient usage, implement switch-off policies, and ensure systems are maintained.
– Managing Year-End Waste: Increased production and stock turnover mean more waste—review safe storage, disposal, and recycling channels.
Why This Matters
November is a tipping point month—your blog can guide businesses in preparing for winter hazards, reinforcing safety culture with legislative context, and maintaining environmental and employee wellbeing focus.
Contact us to discuss your health and safety requirements.
Although women cope differently with menopause, severe menopause symptoms can greatly affect their wellbeing.
The average age of natural menopause is 51 years but can occur much earlier or later. Menopause occurring before the age of 45 is called early menopause and before the age of 40 is premature menopause. Late menopause may also occur but by the age of 54, 80% of women will have stopped having periods.
Generally, women having early or premature menopause are advised to take HRT until approximately the average age of the menopause, for both symptom control and bone protective effect.
Some women are not prepared for the onset of menopause and its symptoms. It would be great to provide further information to employers and employees. Get in touch if you need support.
You might find it helpful to…
If you would like to find out more click on the links below:
Menopause in the workplace
The Women and Equalities committee set up an inquiry into menopause in the workplace and the extent to which women with menopausal symptoms suffer discrimination in the workplace. The recommendations are expected in 2022 and this could lead to changes to the Equality Act 2022.
It may be beneficial, if you haven’t already done so, to subscribe to the HSE news and updates link – HSE: Latest news on health and safety at work
Contact us for further information.
October marks a critical shift in the year. With darker evenings, cooler temperatures, and seasonal moisture, risks increase—but there’s also a strong opportunity to reinforce company culture and sustainability initiatives.
Key Focus Areas and Relevant UK Campaigns:
– Slips, Trips & Falls: Wet leaves and rain heighten outdoor hazard risks. Prioritise cleaning schedules, consider gritting walkways when needed, and reinforce appropriate footwear policies.
– Lighting Assessments: With days getting shorter, audits of external and emergency lighting help prevent accidents and bolster productivity.
– Equipment & Vehicle Checks: Drier and colder conditions can stress machinery and vehicles—proactive servicing reduces downtime and improves safety.
2. Mental Health Awareness
– World Mental Health Day – 10 October: This international observance offers a timely prompt to emphasise that mental wellbeing is integral to workplace safety. Encourage open dialogue, provide stress-related training for managers, and remind staff of available support services.
3. Environmental Responsibility
– Recycle Week 2025 – 14–20 October: Organised by WRAP, the theme “Rescue Me! Recycle” encourages better recycling habits across the UK (https://www.wearedisrupt.co.uk/event/recycle-week-2025). This makes it a perfect opportunity to launch or reinvigorate internal recycling campaigns, educate your team on proper segregation, and share WRAP toolkits and resources.
Why This Matters
October sets the stage for effective year-end HSE performance. Tying seasonal risks to mental health awareness and environmental action creates a compelling, multi-faceted blog that positions you as both proactive and socially responsible.
Contact us to discuss your health and safety requirements.
