To prepare for inclement weather, a winter plan should be put together with an associated risk assessment. This should be carried out well in advance, and revisited and revised throughout the cold period.
To make sure everyone understands what is expected of them, and to ensure the plan is as streamlined as possible, it should be completed alongside other areas of the business — for example HR, IT and the communications team. As part of any planning process, include a review of what happened last year so that new approaches can be adopted where processes were less than ideal.
Some areas that could be addressed as part of winter planning are outlined below.
Communication with employees
Staff need to know what is expected of them when bad weather strikes, as well as what they can expect from the organisation. From an HR point of view, it is important for staff to clearly understand what the consequences are of not being able to attend work, for example due to transport disruption or emergency childcare requirements. On the other side of the coin, facilities managers also need to plan for what happens if, for any reason, staff should not come into work, for example if a building loses power or if the heating system goes down.
Communicating with staff is key in these instances, so make sure that the communication plan is clear, approved, and aligned with communication from other departments. Also ensure that managers are on board and understand what is required.
Preventive maintenance
Bad weather and high winds can expose any building flaws, especially in areas such as roofs or windows. Before winter comes, carry out a condition survey to identify any potential problems, and prioritise them for repair.
Similarly, regularly inspect heating systems and any other plant required for emergencies, such as back-up generators. Proactive maintenance and regular inspections will help reduce the chance of failure when these bits of kit are most needed.
Slips and trips
Snow and ice are two obvious winter problems that can be a hindrance to any business. Make sure that supplies of grit are fully stocked, and that weather warnings are regularly checked so that the grit is used when needed. Staff employed to spread grit need proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
Do not forget inside the building too — staff bringing snow and ice in on their shoes can create slippery surfaces, so consider adding extra mats at the front doors to help keep the building clean and to absorb any extra wetness.
Also remember that slips and trips are not just isolated to times when snow falls. Darker mornings and evenings can cause more accidents, as can autumnal leaf fall. As part of maintenance checks, ensure external lighting is adequate and that entrances and pathways are kept clear of leaf litter and debris.
Staff working outdoors
As part of the maintenance team there might be people who are regularly working outdoors. Although minimum working temperatures do not apply for these workers, there is, however, still a duty of care to ensure that people are not working in unsafe conditions. This could mean that managers need to look at rotas to avoid staff working outside in the cold for long periods of time, as well as making sure there are adequate facilities for people to warm up and take a break. Additional PPE to account for the weather can also be appropriate — for example, having extra dry items of clothing and good waterproofs to help people stay warm.
Remote working
Part of the winter preparation might include making sure that people are able to work effectively from home. This might include checking that all staff have the relevant logins and permissions to access work servers remotely. As some staff might not regularly use these systems, ask everyone to check that they can work remotely ahead of time.
Equip fleet vehicles
Make sure fleet vehicles (including grey fleet vehicles) are prepared for winter conditions. This means making a considered decision as to whether winter tyres are necessary, as well as asking staff to undertake some basic checks on weather and road conditions before deciding to drive. It is also a good idea to put together a car “winter pack”, including a blanket, in-car phone charger and snow shovel. Staff can supplement this with personal items that could include warm clothing and food in case they do break down or are stuck on a motorway.
Managing sickness
Along with bad weather comes the dreaded winter flu. Facilities managers can play an important, if not visible, role in reducing the impact of staff illness spreading, for example by stocking up on soap and alcohol gels. It is also a good time to run a check on cleaning schedules to make sure that common areas are being properly, and thoroughly, cleaned to help reduce the spread of germs.
Furthermore, don’t forget that winter doesn’t always mean catching a cold. For some, it can also bring about the onset of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) as well as a propensity for less exercise and a change in diet. Keep this in mind — perhaps renew or re-launch any wellness campaigns, or work with caterers to develop hearty, but healthy, meals for the winter menu.
Contact us if you require further information.
At Walker Health and Safety Services Limited, we believe in giving back to the community we’re proud to call home. Supporting Telford & Wrekin Council’s volunteering schemes—including Street Champions and Snow Wardens—is a fantastic way to make a visible impact, strengthen community bonds, and boost your wellbeing.
But it’s not just for individuals. Businesses, too, can sign up as Street Champions and become local leaders in community pride.
Whether you’re a resident, a family, or a local business, you can become a Street Champion and help keep Telford & Wrekin clean and litter-free.
By signing up, your business or organisation can take ownership of a street, park, or local space and receive equipment and support to organise clean‑ups.
What’s provided:
– Free kit for each volunteer: high‑vis vest, gloves, litter picker, hoop, waste sacks
– Insurance cover while volunteering
– Support from the Council for collecting rubbish after your clean-ups
– Option to take part in wider campaigns like the Great British Spring Clean
Why your business should join:
– Boost your CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) profile
– Show commitment to your local environment
– Great team-building opportunity
– Gain positive local publicity
– Build relationships with the community
Sign up: Telford & Wrekin Council | Street Champions
Email: pride.officer@telford.gov.uk | Phone: 01952 380455
Snow Wardens are volunteers who help keep public footpaths and pavements safe during icy and snowy weather. This is particularly valuable in helping elderly or vulnerable residents stay safe and mobile.
Your business can encourage team members to sign up individually—or adopt areas near your premises to clear as part of your winter preparedness and community support.
What’s provided:
– High-vis vest, gloves, shovel, rock salt
– Support and updates during adverse weather
– Council insurance while volunteering
Sign up: Telford & Wrekin Council | Snow wardens
Email: snowwardens@telford.gov.uk | Phone: 01952 380455
Volunteering isn’t just about the task—it’s about the people you meet and the sense of pride you gain. Whether you’re picking litter with your team, helping during the snow, or joining a borough-wide event like the Great British Spring Clean, you’ll:
– Meet like-minded people
– Boost morale and well-being
– Make a real difference in your neighbourhood
– Get a bit of exercise and fresh air in the process!
More and more businesses are stepping up to show pride in their communities. Becoming a Street Champion business is a fantastic way to lead by example, engage your team, and contribute to the place you trade, work, and live.
Imagine the benefits:
– Featuring your team’s efforts on your social media and website
– Receiving recognition in community newsletters
– Strengthening your brand’s reputation for environmental and social responsibility
You could even sponsor a regular clean-up, adopt a local green space, or partner with a local school or care home for a joint event.
Whether you’re picking up litter, clearing snow, or just spreading the word, your contribution matters. Businesses have a unique opportunity to lead the way—so why not register today and show your community spirit?
At Walker Health and Safety Services Limited, we’ll be joining in—and we hope to see you out there with us!
Contact us if you would like further information, or want to invite us along.
As we approach the holiday season, the excitement of Christmas festivities fills the air. It’s a time for joy, celebration, and reflection. But amid the cheer, it’s also crucial to stay safe—whether at work, at home, or out enjoying the season.
The Christmas period often comes with a flurry of activity. Decorations are hung, gifts are exchanged, and celebrations take center stage. However, the busy season can also heighten risks.
Many workplaces see an increase in activity during December, from end-of-year parties to wrapping up tasks before the break. It’s vital to stay alert:
With more people traveling to visit loved ones, roads can be congested and treacherous in winter weather. Drive carefully, keep emergency kits in your car, and never drink and drive.
Fires from candles, overloaded sockets, and mishandled Christmas lights are unfortunately common this time of year. Regularly check your decorations and ensure fire safety protocols are in place.
Be Kind: Creating a Safer Environment for All
The festive period should be a time of goodwill, yet statistics remind us of challenges that persist:
The holidays aren’t joyful for everyone. Loneliness, financial stress, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) affect many. Be kind and check in with those who may be struggling.
Some typical challenges during the holiday season include:
Stay aware of these pitfalls, and remember it’s okay to set boundaries.
A Message of Hope and Joy
As we wind down the year, let’s focus on what truly matters—being safe, kind, and present. Whether you’re working, traveling, or celebrating at home, take time to care for yourself and others.
Wishing everyone a safe, joyful Christmas and a wonderful start to 2025, filled with kindness, growth, and positivity. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!
If you need to contact us, click this link!
Common Scaffolding Health and Safety Mistakes
Scaffolding can help to significantly reduce health and safety accidents, but it doesn’t eliminate them. Accidents can and still do happen on scaffolding. This often involves slips and trips in bad weather conditions, from spillages, or complacency, and commonly debris falling to the ground.
These accidents are mostly preventable with the correct health and safety measures in place. With that in mind here are 10 of the most common health and safety mistakes people make when using scaffolding.
It’s simple, but common sense should always be used when working on any scaffolding platform. This can include:
When working as part of a team on a scaffold there is often limited space. With other workers and equipment moving about the platform everyone must work effectively as a team to help reduce the risk of preventable accidents.
Scaffolding platforms don’t hold unlimited weight. It’s important to be sensible with the space and the number of materials loaded. This also helps to ensure that materials don’t fall over platforms onto people below. Depending on the type of scaffolding you have, your maximum load may be different. Speak to your scaffolding supplier to find out what the maximum load is.
The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) states that scaffolding should be inspected by a competent person
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) says: “All scaffolding inspection must be carried out by a competent person whose combination of knowledge, training and experience is appropriate for the type and complexity of the scaffold. Competence may have been assessed under the CISRS or an individual may have received training in inspecting a specific type of system scaffold from a manufacturer/supplier. A non-scaffolder who has attended a scaffold inspection course, e.g., a site manager, could be deemed competent to inspect a basic scaffold structure.”
The HSE says that scaffolding bays should have adequate fall protection, preferably gates. Security gates are not a requirement but that does not mean they are not necessary. Access gates can help to prevent falls from people and/or equipment/material; they can also help to protect other people, including children, who might climb the scaffolding without authorisation.
One of the UK’s top rated and Kent’s #1 rated scaffolding companies – Blitz Scaffolding says: Not all scaffolding companies install security gates on scaffolding as standard, make sure that yours does.
Scaffolding netting is not a health and safety requirement; it’s an extra investment to a construction project, but it can provide numerable increased safety benefits to users and those around the structure.
Materials left on scaffolding overnight, or indeed during the day, (especially close to the edge), can be an understandable danger if it falls from wind, or otherwise. The material could also be forgotten about or missed and cause a slip hazard or be knocked below on-top of someone. Avoid wherever possible leaving material on-top of scaffolding bays.
It’s easy to become complacent when working on scaffolding. Workers can assume that the platform will help keep them safe, but this is not a guarantee. Accidents can and do happen on scaffolding, and this is especially true when workers are tired, low in morale and not thinking as clearly.
Most accidents on scaffolding sites are due to slips and trips, and naturally the risk of these increases with rain, snow, ice and the cold.
Slips and trips have been the predominant cause of injury for 16 years in a row; according to a National Access and Scaffolding Confederation report in 2021.
The HSE says: “Winds in excess of 23mph (Force 5), will affect the balance of a roof worker.”
Blitz Scaffolding has posted a helpful guide on wind and working on scaffolding.
Rain makes scaffolding platforms slippery, scaffolding unstable and make working conditions significantly tougher.
Compounded dirt, mud and rain for instance can create slippery conditions and at height a small slip can soon become a lot worse.
The best thing to do in adverse weather is to avoid using the scaffolding altogether. This isn’t always favourable, potentially delaying a project, but safety should always be a number one priority.
If scaffolding is used in adverse weather, always sweep away stagnant water, ice, snow and leaves before working.
Construction workers who aren’t trained for use with scaffolding are often unaware of the common dangers, how to use correct fall prevention and how to work safely. All people who work on scaffolding should be competent, and if being trained should be supervised by a competent person.
Like other professionals in the construction industry, knowing your job site and equipment is important to prevent problems and injuries. Those who are not trained for scaffolding often do not understand how fall protection works, their immediate surroundings, or common sounds of danger.
Failing to identify the potential hazards is an all-to-common mistake that builders make when using scaffolding in their construction projects. Issues such as potential inclement weather, and the effects of such, the adequacy of the scaffolding, and the equipment used, risks of electrocution, the risks of too many workers on the scaffolding at one time, too much equipment or materials.
Before the scaffolding is used, a risk assessment should be considered to help identify potential hazards. Ideally an assessment of the potential risks would also be considered before the erection of the scaffolding to ensure safe design.
Contact us for further information.
Guest post – Blitz Scaffolding
Workplace temperature checklist
This checklist will help you carry out a basic risk assessment of workplace temperatures.
If you answer ‘yes’ to at least two of these questions you should assess the risks and find out how you can protect your workers.
Contact us for further information.
