HSE advises on working in cold weather

The HSE reminded employers of their responsibilities to keep both outdoor and indoor workers safe as the first spell of cold weather of this winter hit the country.

The regulator’s advice on outdoor working in cold environments includes ensuring that appropriate personal protective equipment is issued, providing mobile facilities for warming up, along with soup or hot drinks, introducing more frequent rest breaks, and considering delaying work until warmer times of the year.

It also reminded employers that temperatures in indoor workplaces are covered by the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, which place a legal obligation on employers to provide a “reasonable” temperature in the workplace. The Approved Code of Practice and guidance to the regulations says the temperature in an indoor workplace should provide reasonable comfort without the need for special clothing and should normally be at least 16 degrees C.

The Accord banking union also issued advice on cold weather working for its members. It also highlighted Acas guidance on extreme temperatures in the workplace, the TUC Too hot too cold microsite, and HSE guidance on slips and trips in icy conditions.