Winter is here which can mean freezing temperatures and the
potential for snowfall and weather warnings. Organisations of all types and
sizes should have a clear plan in place on how to deal with extreme weather
problems should they arise. Here is a guide to get you started on some of the
main issues and actions your plan should address.
Slips, trips and falls
Most commercial buildings have external areas used by
employees, deliveries or the general public and building owners or their
tenants have an obligation under health and safety legislation to keep every
pedestrian traffic route within their premises free from substances that can
cause someone to slip, trip or fall.
Consideration should be given to the following to minimise any
incidents:
- · Resources: consider what manpower and
equipment you will have available should bad weather strike. This may include how
many staff will be available (usually needed early in the morning) who have
been provided with appropriate training and protective equipment to clear areas
and spread grit. Consideration should also be given to whether there is
sufficient grit and means to transport it around the site.
- · Prioritise: decide which areas should be
cleared for the premises to operate safely. For example, building’s entrances
including both staff and visitors’ entrances should be given priority. It may
be impractical to keep all car parks and areas clear so decide what you need to
do to ensure untreated areas are not used.
- · Maintain: make sure you have a plan to
maintain the areas that you have decided to clear so they do no re-freeze over.
- · Communicate: ensure everyone is aware of
their responsibilities within the plan and inform employees of the bad weather
plan so they are aware of areas that will be prioritised for clearing when they
arrive to work. Use signs at the entrance to public areas for advising visitors
of untreated areas.
- · Record: A specific risk assessment for
operating the site in bad weather should be carried out and recorded.
Protecting your property
Snow, rain and freezing temperatures can all create strain
on your property, and it is therefore important to mitigate any potential
damage where possible by taking the following steps:
- ·Increase the frequency of property inspections
during the winter months paying extra attention to areas at risk such as pipes,
gutters, chimneys and roofs.
- · Avoid freezing pipes by wrapping water tanks and
pipes in lagging, re-washer any dripping taps and keep heating systems on
ambient temperatures even when your property may be vacant.
- · Ensure key staff know the location of the
properties stopcock so water can be immediately turned off if a leak does
occur.
Staff and travel
It is also important to consider how cold weather might
affect your staff’s commute or driving for work. The following steps can be
taken to manage this:
- · A formal winter driving policy is recommended if
you have staff who drive as part of their role providing guidance on when it is
safe to travel and who to contact in an emergency. Consider also providing
emergency kits in all vehicles with items such as blankets, shovels, high
visibility jackets, torches and bottles water.
- · In the event that severe weather causes
disruption to the local travel network, ensure there are contingency measures
in place such as setting up remote access with appropriate cyber security to
accommodate homeworkers and arrange for calls to be re-routed from the office.
- · Ensure there is a clear plan of communication to
all staff to inform them what is happening during any severe weather
conditions.
What to do next
If you would like any further information on how we can help
you reduce risks, call us now on 01789 766888 and speak to one of our team.