| Accidents increase during Winter for a number of reasons: there is less daylight, paths become wet and slippery and ice and snow build-up. There are effective actions that you can take to reduce the risk of a slip or trip. For further recommended information click here.
The cold can still impact health regardless of working indoors or outdoors, low temperatures can impact health:
- Dehydration
- Raynauds
- Hypothermia
- Painful Joints
- Heart Attacks
The British Heart Foundation found that the risk of a heart attacked or stroke is doubled when the body is exposed to the cold for a prolonged period.
What can employers?
- Monitor temperatures
- Add additional heat if possible and have breaks in a well-heated building
- Introduce job/task rotations
- Consider a Health Surveillance program to ensure early detection of ill health
What can employees do?
- Remove wet clothing as soon as possible and carry extra clothing
- Wear plenty of layers including waterproof and windproof clothing
- Wear warm, insulated protection on your head and feet
- Avoid sitting still for long periods of time
If you would like more information about keeping safe this winter or other health and safety information, contact us today at [email protected] or by phoning 01 832 1493 / 028 9042 3222 |
