Winter Workplace Safety Tips: How to Protect Your Team This Season
Winter brings festive cheer, but it also introduces serious safety challenges. For occupational health and safety leaders, this is the season to act early, upskill staff, and reduce risk.
Why Winter Workplace Safety Should Be a Priority
Cold weather, shorter daylight hours, and increased stress levels all impact workplace safety. From icy surfaces to fire hazards, winter conditions demand extra vigilance.
1. Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls
Icy paths and wet floors are a major cause of winter injuries. Protect your team with these steps:
Grit outdoor surfaces before staff arrive
Use heavy-duty mats and clear signage indoors
Encourage slip-resistant footwear for outdoor workers
If your team works at height, winter conditions increase the danger. Our Working at Height course teaches staff how to recognise and manage these risks.
2. Promote Safe Driving Awareness
Winter driving conditions such as fog, ice, and fatigue raise the risk of accidents. Help your team stay safe:
Check tyres, lights, and fluid levels regularly
Allow extra time for journeys
Equip vehicles with emergency kits
Our Safe Driving Awareness course helps drivers reduce risk and improve decision-making on the road.
3. Support Mental Health with Stress Awareness
Seasonal pressures can affect mental wellbeing. Deadlines, cold weather, and festive stress all play a role.
Encourage regular breaks and realistic workloads
Promote open conversations about wellbeing
Offer flexible working arrangements
Our Stress Awareness training helps staff recognise stress and build resilience.
4. Improve Manual Handling Technique
Busy winter periods often involve lifting parcels, stock, or equipment. Poor technique leads to injury.
Train staff in proper lifting posture
Use trolleys or team lifts for heavy items
Keep walkways clear to avoid awkward movements
Our Manual Handling Awareness course teaches safe lifting habits in just 40 minutes.
5. Reinforce Fire Safety Training
Extra heaters, decorations, and overloaded sockets raise fire risks in winter. Stay compliant and prepared:
Test alarms and review evacuation plans
Keep exits clear and fire doors closed
Avoid overloading sockets or using damaged cables
Our Fire Safety Awareness training helps teams identify hazards and respond effectively.
6. Refresh Your Risk Assessment Strategy
Winter changes your risk profile. Update your workplace risk assessment to reflect seasonal hazards:
Include outdoor areas, shaded zones, and sloped paths
Review heating systems, lighting, and emergency plans
Document findings and share them with your team
Our Risk Assessment training course helps you identify, assess, and control risks with confidence.
7. Build a Culture of Safety This Winter
Winter workplace safety is not just about avoiding accidents. It is about creating a culture where everyone feels protected, supported, and valued.
Explore our full range of online health and safety courses to upskill your team this season. From Health and Safety Awareness for Employees to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, we have you covered.
🎯 Ready to Strengthen Your Safety Strategy?
Book your winter training today.
✅ Fast and flexible online courses
✅ Certificates in under an hour
✅ Discounts available for large bookings
Contact us to discuss your training needs.