Keeping safe on site this winter

Back between 2017 and 2018, it was estimated that 58,000 non-fatal self-reported injuries happened in the UK and 38 workers were fatally injured. These stats may seem high, but they are on the decline from the previous year, so we are making the right steps on site.

In the winter months, with dark mornings and icy starts, unfortunately as conditions worsen these all factor towards an increase in accidents. Although the figures above still seem very high, we do work in an industry which carries a high risk. We should all be vigilant and work together to help prevent these accidents from happening and take extra care when working on site.

Winter brings a whole new host of hazards, especially here in the UK, so we need to be prepared and take extra steps to keep ourselves safe on site. Check out below some of our top tips on making sure you stay safe on site this winter.

Proper PPE

Ensuring that you have the correct workwear on site will see you take the extra steps to make sure you keep yourself safe throughout the day and eliminate the risk of hypothermia. If you're working on a site which requires you to wear safety glasses or goggles, then you can spray these with anti-fog spray to prevent your vision becoming distorted when the condensation starts. Making sure you have the correct gloves to carry out your job at the expected temperature will make sure your hands stay warm at the same time as carrying out the same level of effectiveness.

Wrapping up

Whether we like to admit it or not, we all feel the cold and keeping warm on site in the winter is one of the most important things to consider. Layer your clothing so if you do get too hot, it's easy to remove a layer. However make sure you still have enough maneuverability to be able to do your job. A good waterproof outer layer will prevent your inside layers from becoming wet and making you colder.

Add some additional exterior lighting

To help towards reducing any trips and falls when the darker mornings and nights draw in, add some additional exterior lighting around the site which will make sure things remain visible and reduce the risk of anyone falling. You could even get some portable lighting which you could move around the site where you needed it.

Remove the snow and ice on site

Removing the snow and ice on the ground will help to prevent the risk of slips and falls, as well as making the safety lines visible for both workers and drivers. Make sure you have plenty of grit prepared in advance to help get the job done quicker and safer.

Make sure you have a warm place on site

It's important to have a warm place on site, whether that be a cabin or heated trailer. This way, you have somewhere to keep warming up in between your work and it gives you the chance to check over everyone else on site to make sure they aren't showing any early signs of hypothermia.

Do you know the signs to look out for when someone is developing hypothermia? Here are a few which you can look out for on site:

• Shivering
• Slurred speech
• Weak pulse
• Drowsiness
• Confusion