Managing workplace winter risks: A guide for extreme weather

British winters can be just as unpredictable as our summers, but when extreme cold hits, it brings serious workplace challenges. Freezing temperatures, ice, snow, and storms affect far more than comfort, they impact safety, productivity, and employee wellbeing. Without the right measures, winter risks can lead to slips, trips, falls, frostbite, hypothermia, and an increase in accidents caused by poor visibility or hazardous conditions.

At SafeWorkforce, we help employers take a proactive approach to managing workplace winter risks. With expert health and safety consultancy, compliance tools, and practical training, you can keep your people safe, meet your legal duties, and maintain operational efficiency, even during extreme weather.

Why winter risk management matters

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers must protect the health, safety, and welfare of employees. Temperature and environmental conditions are part of that duty. While the UK has no minimum legal workplace temperature, the HSE  advises that indoor workplaces should be at least 16°C (13°C for strenuous work) and that employers should act when conditions become unsafe or uncomfortable.

Winter hazards don’t just affect comfort. HSE data shows a spike in workplace incidents during icy and stormy weather, particularly in construction, logistics, transport, and agriculture. NHS reports also highlight increases in cold-related illnesses and hospital admissions during prolonged cold snaps.

Ignoring these risks can lead to:

• Increased slips, trips, and falls due to ice and snow.
• Higher absenteeism from cold-related illnesses including flu, hypothermia, and frostbite.
• Reduced productivity and morale.
• Potential legal and reputational consequences.

Understanding the risks

Winter weather creates different risks depending on the workplace:

• Outdoor work – Construction, delivery, and agriculture expose employees to freezing temperatures, slippery ground, and reduced daylight.
• Indoor unheated spaces – Warehouses, workshops, and temporary structures may lack adequate heating.
• Travel and logistics – Driving or operating machinery in icy, snowy, or stormy conditions raises accident risks.
• Storm disruption – High winds and flooding can cause unsafe working environments.

Certain employees are more vulnerable, including older workers, those with underlying health conditions, and people required to work long hours outdoors.

Recognising the signs of cold stress

Managers and employees must be alert to early warning signs of cold-related illnesses:

• Shivering and fatigue
• Loss of coordination, slurred speech, or confusion
• Numbness, especially in extremities (hands, feet, ears)
• Pale, blue, or blistered skin (frostbite)
• Slow, shallow breathing or drowsiness (hypothermia)

These conditions can escalate quickly and become life-threatening if not addressed.

Practical steps to reduce winter risks

SafeWorkforce recommends combining immediate safety measures with long-term planning:

Risk assessments

Identify tasks, areas, and conditions most affected by cold weather. SafeWorkforce health and safety consultants can help assess exposure, protective equipment, and environmental controls.

Work scheduling

Avoid scheduling high-risk tasks during the coldest parts of the day. Use shift rotation to reduce prolonged outdoor exposure.

Warm breaks and facilities

Provide heated rest areas and encourage regular breaks to warm up. Ensure hot drinks and food are available where possible.

PPE and clothing

Supply insulated, waterproof, and layered protective clothing, including gloves, hats, and boots with good grip. PPE must balance warmth and mobility.

Slip and trip prevention

Clear ice and snow from walkways, grit paths, and use anti-slip mats indoors. Maintain good lighting in darker winter months.

Training and awareness

Educate employees on cold stress, safe work practices in icy conditions, and incident reporting. SafeWorkforce offers tailored training to prepare teams for winter risks.

Myth vs fact: Winter weather risks

Myth: “Cold weather just means wrapping up warm.”
Fact: Cold stress, frostbite, and hypothermia are real workplace hazards, especially for outdoor workers.

Myth: “Slips and trips only happen outside.”
Fact: Ice and snow tracked indoors create hazards inside workplaces too.

Myth: “Winter risks can’t be prevented, it’s just the weather.”
Fact: With planning, PPE, and health and safety training, most winter-related incidents are avoidable.

Staying compliant

The HSE expects employers to take reasonable steps to prevent harm from cold weather risks, including:

• Carrying out and updating risk assessments.
• Maintaining safe access routes (gritting, snow clearance, lighting).
• Providing suitable PPE and rest facilities.
• Keeping open communication with employees about safety concerns.

SafeWorkforce helps you meet these responsibilities,  supporting both compliance and workforce wellbeing.

Conclusion

Winter weather management is more than a seasonal concern, it’s an essential part of year-round health and safety planning. By preparing early, training staff, and putting practical controls in place, you can protect your employees and maintain safe, productive operations even during the harshest conditions.

SafeWorkforce gives you the expertise, tools, and confidence to manage workplace winter risks effectively. From risk assessments to training and compliance support, we help you build a safer, more resilient workforce.