Reduce & Avoid!
Working at heights poses many health and safety risks, however, add adverse weather such as rain, snow and ice and you have a risk assessment form the length of your arm!
Slips and trips are more likely to occur, so it is important to have a plan to combat these heightened risks.
Check the weather
Without sounding too obvious, the first step should be to check the weather forecast. Although you can see the weather outside, the forecast gives you a prediction of what is to come. If the weather is due to worsen it may be worth postponing work until it is safe to continue.
Breaks
The weather can have both physical and mental effects on workers, so it is important to ensure regular breaks are taken. This ensures productivity stays at optimum capacity whilst also ensuring workers are safe.
Health & safety checks
An increase in your regular health & safety checks is essential during the winter months, especially when adverse weather occurs. The lower temperatures combined with the weather conditions put a greater strain on equipment, whilst also making it more difficult for the workers to perform their job. The structure should be cleaned more often to prevent a build-up of ice and mud, which in turn will reduce the increased risk of slips and trips.
Risk reduction
Above all, the risks should be reduced as much as possible. Slip-resistant board placed on any surface that is at risk of slippage, along with all workers wearing their harnesses will help reduce the risk. You may even consider upgrading the footwear to shoes with extra traction to aid workers when walking on-site.
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