{"id":237,"date":"2023-07-20T01:19:06","date_gmt":"2023-07-20T01:19:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hazardco.bbtdevelopment.com\/nz\/?p=237"},"modified":"2024-05-08T22:06:54","modified_gmt":"2024-05-08T22:06:54","slug":"working-in-the-winter-how-to-ensure-your-worksite-is-safe-during-wet-and-cold-winter-months","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/hazardco.bbtdevelopment.com\/nz\/blog\/working-in-the-winter-how-to-ensure-your-worksite-is-safe-during-wet-and-cold-winter-months\/","title":{"rendered":"Working in the Winter: How to ensure your worksite is safe during wet and cold winter months"},"content":{"rendered":"

Winter weather has the potential to hit hard, with strong winds, low temperatures, and of course, lots of rain. All of these factors can cause hazards for you and your workers. From trips and slips, to numb fingers and damaged gear and equipment, cold temperatures call for specific measures to ensure that your workplace is safe during the cold and wet winter months.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Work doesn\u2019t stop when winter weather rolls in, so it\u2019s important to know what to do to keep your workers safe and warm.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Winter checks and inspections
\n<\/b>When the winter weather starts rolling through it\u2019s important for you to inspect your workplace. If you are somewhere that experiences snow, make sure that you identify and clear, where possible, all snow and ice from working surfaces, platforms and walkways that are used. It\u2019s crucial to stress the importance of fall protection when icy conditions are present. To ensure your site is safe, complete a Site Assessment using your HazardCo App, or you can download a .pdf version from the templates section of your HazardCo Hub, or by clicking <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Winter driving accidents
\n<\/b>Vehicle accidents don\u2019t just happen on the roads, they can also happen in the work yard. Stress to your team that winter driving rules for the road also apply to your workplace and it\u2019s important that they take care while operating work vehicles and equipment. To ensure your vehicles are safe for the road complete a Vehicle checklist using your HazardCo App, or you can download a PDF version from the templates section of your HazardCo Hub, or by clicking <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Watch the weather
\n<\/b>The last thing you need is for the weather to catch you by surprise. Keep an eye on the weather forecast, so your workers can prioritise the work that will be affected should the weather take a turn for the worse, and that they have the right gear to be able to do the job safely.<\/span><\/p>\n

The right PPE makes a difference
\n<\/b>Be vigilant when ensuring that workers are wearing proper PPE and suitable clothing when winter weather conditions are present.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n