Published: October 2023
Reading time: 5 minutes
Suitable for: Business Owners, Managers, Supervisors and Facilities Teams
Topics: Winter Safety | Slips, Trips and Falls | Risk Assessment | Workplace Safety
At a glance
Main goal: Reduce slips, trips and falls during the winter months.
Who should be involved? Employers, managers, supervisors, facilities teams and employees.
Key action: Inspect your workplace regularly and prepare for changing weather conditions.
Benefits: Fewer accidents, improved safety and reduced disruption during winter.
Why this matters
As autumn turns to winter, workplace conditions can change quickly. Shorter days, heavy rain, fallen leaves, ice and snow all increase the risk of slips, trips and falls, making seasonal planning an important part of workplace health and safety.
By identifying winter hazards early and putting simple control measures in place, businesses can help prevent accidents, reduce disruption and keep employees safe throughout the colder months.
What are the main winter hazards?
Winter weather can introduce a range of additional risks, including:
- Wet floors from rainwater
- Fallen leaves hiding uneven surfaces
- Ice and frost on paths and car parks
- Reduced daylight affecting visibility
- Snow restricting safe access to buildings
- Cold weather affecting outdoor work
These hazards can develop quickly, so regular inspections are essential during the winter months.
Your winter safety checklist
Improve lighting
Good lighting helps employees spot hazards before they become accidents.
Consider:
- Inspecting external lighting
- Replacing damaged or dim bulbs
- Improving lighting in car parks, paths and entrances
- Asking employees whether there are areas where visibility could be improved
Sometimes the people using the workplace every day are best placed to identify problem areas.
Keep walkways clear
Wet leaves can quickly become slippery and may also hide potholes, uneven paving or other trip hazards.
Good practice includes:
- Sweeping leaves regularly
- Clearing debris from entrances
- Maintaining pathways
- Trimming vegetation where appropriate
Routine maintenance can significantly reduce slip risks.
Manage rainwater
Rainwater is one of the most common causes of slips during autumn and winter.
Simple control measures include:
- Installing absorbent entrance mats
- Providing canopies where practical
- Maintaining drainage systems
- Repairing damaged paving
- Encouraging employees to use designated walkways
Preventing water from entering buildings also helps reduce indoor slip hazards.
Prepare for ice and snow
When freezing weather is forecast, businesses should take additional precautions.
This may include:
- Monitoring weather forecasts
- Gritting pedestrian routes before temperatures fall below freezing
- Prioritising entrances, steps, ramps and frequently used paths
- Closing unsafe areas where necessary
- Using barriers or signs to warn of slippery surfaces
- Diverting pedestrians to safer routes if required
Planning ahead allows businesses to respond before conditions become hazardous.
Don’t forget your risk assessment
Winter conditions can significantly change workplace risks.
Review your existing risk assessments to ensure they still reflect:
- Seasonal weather conditions
- Outdoor work activities
- Vehicle and pedestrian routes
- Emergency access
- Vulnerable employees
A seasonal review helps ensure control measures remain suitable throughout the colder months.
Related resources
E-learning
Need more help?
Preparing for winter doesn’t need to be complicated. A few simple checks and preventative measures can significantly reduce the risk of seasonal accidents and help your business continue operating safely during colder weather.
The Health & Safety Portal provides practical resources to support your winter preparations, including risk assessment templates, winter safety guidance, toolbox talks, policy templates and e-learning courses. By planning ahead, you can help protect your employees and keep your workplace safe throughout the season.