Author: Ruth Hill

Winter brings unique challenges to construction sites, from freezing temperatures to reduced daylight hours. Without proper precautions, these conditions can increase the risk of accidents, delays, and even serious injuries.

As we move into 2025, ensuring that your site is well-prepared for winter weather is more important than ever. Here are key measures to keep your workforce safe and your project on track.

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” — Benjamin Franklin

1. Maintain Adequate Lighting

With shorter days, visibility becomes a critical issue on construction sites. Installing high-quality, temporary lighting in key areas such as walkways, access points, and work zones can help prevent trips, falls, and accidents involving machinery. LED floodlights and motion-activated lighting can improve visibility while optimizing energy efficiency.

2. 2. Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls

Icy surfaces are one of the biggest hazards in winter. Regularly gritting walkways, ramps, and entry points can reduce the risk of slips. Keep paths clear of snow, ice, and wet leaves, and ensure workers clean their boots before using ladders or stepping onto scaffolding.

3. 3. Provide Appropriate Winter Workwear

Cold weather can lead to reduced dexterity, fatigue, and even hypothermia. Supply your workforce with high-visibility, waterproof, and insulated clothing. Proper gloves, non-slip insulated boots, and thermal base layers are essential to keeping workers warm and able to perform their tasks safely.

4. 4. Inspect and Maintain Equipment

Low temperatures can affect the functionality of machinery, making regular checks even more critical. Cold weather can cause batteries to drain faster, lubricants to thicken, and materials like concrete to set improperly. Ensure that machinery is serviced, fuel is winter-grade, and sensitive equipment is stored appropriately when not in use.

5. 5. Ensure Safe Use of Heaters and Temporary Heating

On-site heating is crucial for maintaining a safe and productive work environment. However, it must be used with caution. Position heaters away from combustible materials, ensure proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide build-up, and implement a strict no-smoking policy around heating equipment.

6. 6. Provide Warm Rest Areas and Breaks

Cold exposure can lead to fatigue, reduced concentration, and an increased risk of accidents. Heated rest areas should be available where workers can warm up and take regular breaks. Providing warm drinks and high-energy snacks can help workers stay alert and maintain their body temperature throughout the day.

7. 7. Conduct Regular Risk Assessments

Winter conditions can change rapidly, making it essential to assess risks regularly. Review weather forecasts daily and adjust work schedules accordingly. Train workers to recognize the signs of cold stress and hypothermia, and ensure they know the emergency procedures in case of extreme weather.

Keep Safety a Priority This Winter

By implementing these precautions, construction sites can continue operating efficiently while ensuring the safety of all workers. Winter weather may be unpredictable, but with the right planning and equipment, its challenges can be managed effectively.

At Howler, we’re committed to driving fire safety excellence and preparing you for new winter hazards and risks. For more information on site safety equipment, get in touch with us on 0330 7000 777 or email [email protected].

Stay safe this winter!

Fire safety is more than a legal obligation – it’s a fundamental aspect that safeguards your construction project, your team, and your reputation. That’s why we’re offering accredited CPD (Continuing Professional Development) learning sessions, designed to empower your team with essential fire safety knowledge and skills.

Why Fire Safety Training Matters
Did you know that, on average, one fire occurs on a UK construction site every day? Alarmingly, a recent survey conducted in the construction industry highlighted a significant knowledge gap, with 81% of respondents answering questions on hot works-related risks incorrectly.

This underscores the importance of addressing these gaps to avoid potential mistakes and their severe consequences, such as insurance complications or regulatory fines.

How We Can Help
We offer training sessions to provide a deep dive into the specifics of fire safety regulations, with a focus on:
• The most overlooked areas of the Joint Code of Practice (JCoP).
• Key updates to the JCoP.
• Fire safety in temporary accommodation.
• Managing lithium battery risks.
• Establishing and maintaining safe escape routes.
• Proper management and execution of hot works.

Each session takes around 30 minutes, and we deliver them either virtually via Teams or face-to-face, depending on what is easiest for you.

CPD Accreditation
Our learning sessions are fully accredited by The CPD Certification Service, ensuring participants can use them as credits towards their professional learning objectives.

Take the Next Step
Empower your team to prioritise safety and compliance by booking your CPD session today. Whether you’re looking to refresh existing knowledge or address gaps, our sessions provide a practical, impactful way to strengthen your safety culture.

Book Your Session Now! Continue reading “Enhance Your Team’s Knowledge with Accredited Fire Safety CPD Learning Sessions”

On 26th November, we proudly hosted our first Howler Hot Topics event at The Shard in London. The roundtable discussion focused on addressing challenges in adhering to JCoP guidance for site accommodation located within buildings under construction or refurbishment.

In partnership with Westgate Global, the event brought together experts from construction, insurance and fire safety sectors to share insights, tackle challenges, and explore best practices.

Key Takeaways
Participants shared real-world experiences and strategies to overcome fire safety compliance challenges, surfacing several vital themes:
• Early Planning: Engaging clients at the earliest stages ensures fire safety is prioritised and properly integrated into project plans.
• Proactive Communication: Collaboration with building managers, contractors, and the fire brigade is essential to align fire safety strategies.
• Ongoing Collaboration: A dynamic, risk-based approach to fire safety—one that adapts to practical realities—delivers the best outcomes.

Practical Challenges
The group delved into the complexities of meeting fire safety standards, including:
• Fire Safety for Site Accommodation: Innovative solutions like enhanced fire detection systems and modular wall systems are helping overcome site-specific challenges.
• Lithium-Ion Battery Risks: Strict controls and staff education are critical for managing these emerging risks effectively.
• Competency in Fire Safety: Ensuring all involved parties have the right expertise is essential for meeting safety and compliance requirements.

A key piece of advice sparked by the conversation was, “Do whatever you would do if you didn’t have insurance.” This guiding principle reflects the need for proactive, practical fire safety measures that protect lives, property, and businesses.

Download the Whitepaper
We’re excited to share a comprehensive whitepaper detailing the key insights and advice from the Howler Hot Topics event. Whether you’re planning a new project or seeking to enhance fire safety on-site, this resource is packed with actionable guidance.
Click here to download the whitepaper now.

We extend our thanks to all the participants for their contributions and look forward to continuing this important dialogue as we continue our series of Hot Topic events. If you are interested in taking part in the future, please get in touch.

Let’s work together to raise the standard of fire safety in construction.