Construction workers at high risk as UK is set to freeze up

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Temperatures in the UK are set to plummet

What does this mean for construction workers?

How can cold weather affect construction workers?

10 ways to prevent construction site accidents and cold stress during winter

Get insurance to protect you and loved ones with Quick Quote Protect

Temperatures in the UK are set to plummet

Freezing temperatures, strong winds and bouts of snow have been forecasted to affect the majority of the UK over the next few weeks, as reported by the Met Office.

Temperatures are said to drop to -11℃ this evening and while such conditions can cause chaos and interference with travel and health, it poses a serious risk to workers – particularly those in construction and others working outdoors.

The winter months are renowned for heightening risks, but with this month’s unusually cold spell, it’s highly advisable to be extra cautious.

What does this mean for construction workers?

Construction is one of the most dangerous industries to work in. Data from the Health and Safety Executive show that every year, around 80,000 construction workers suffer from ill health and 64,000 sustain non-fatal injuries because of working conditions.

In the last 5 years, the majority of deaths have resulted from falling at a height. Most non-fatal injuries that happened in 2016/17 were caused by slips and trips or falls.

With this month’s weather warning for construction sites, there’s a chance that these stats will increase and more accidents, injuries and fatalities will occur this winter.

How can cold weather affect construction workers?

When the weather is significantly cold and involves icy or windy conditions, the safety of construction sites can be compromised and affect employees in three major ways:

• Slips, trips and falls – although these are common at any time of year, if surfaces are wet, slippery and icy, then the risk of falls is increased – especially if they’re not checked regularly and treated properly.

• Cold stress – if employers are not adequately protected from really cold weather, cold stress can occur. This is when the skin temperature decreases and as a result, heat leaves the body quicker than it usually does. Consequently, the internal body temperature plummets and it’s unable to warm back up, causing serious illnesses, injuries and tissue damage – hypothermia and frostbite. In some cases, death may be the outcome.

• Driving accidents – Those driving on construction sites must remember to stick to normal driving rules, specifically in winter and poor weather conditions when they should be taking extra care while driving on site.

10 ways to prevent construction site accidents and cold stress during winter

In the UK, there aren’t any laws in place for minimum or maximum working temperatures, as stated by GOV.UK. However, all employers have a legal ‘duty of care’ to ensure their employees aren’t working in dangerous environments and are protected. Employers and workers must be collectively ensuring the following:

1. The weather forecast should be checked regularly for any updates or warnings.

2. All workers must receive training on safety at work and how to prevent accidents – especially when it comes to working outside in bad weather conditions.

3. Employees must receive training on conditions that could lead to cold stress, symptoms and how to help other potentially affected workers. Everyone should be keeping an eye open for any unusual changes in physical appearances and be prepared to act straight away.

4. Some areas may be more open to being affected by the weather, so these must be safeguarded.

5. Slips, trips and falls can be avoided if all surfaces are regularly checked and treated against adverse weather.

6. Workers should be permitted to have regular breaks in areas where they can warm up, and not endure the cold weather for long durations.

7. Employees must be informed about wearing appropriate clothing and layers if it’s cold, wet and windy. They must also be provided with protective clothing and equipment suited to the role they’re carrying out in such conditions.

8. Employees shouldn’t work alone if surfaces or areas could be hazardous in bad weather.

9. Workers should be provided with hot drinks and encouraged to eat well to stay warm and keep energy levels up.

10. Avoid letting workers carry out tasks during the coldest parts of the day.

It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that workers are protected as much as possible in freezing, wet and windy weather. If they breach this, then it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.

Construction workers must also ensure they are not acting negligently at any time and working appropriately - being extra cautious when working in freezing weather.

Get insurance to protect you and loved ones with Quick Quote Protect

During these harsh weather conditions this month, your employer must be safeguarding you from sustaining any injuries or illnesses at work. Having said this, you must make sure you’re remaining responsible and protecting yourself against risky working conditions or harsh weather conditions.

If an accident were to occur, it’s important to be prepared beforehand for the worst-case scenario. You should ensure you have the right life insurance policy in place, which would protect loved ones financially should the worst happen.

You may also want to look into taking out an income protection plan to protect you financially should you fall ill and become unable to work.

If you would like to find out more about life insurance or income protection, give us a call at Quick Quote Protect Limited today to speak to one of our advisors who are on hand to help. And as a final note, wrap up warm and stay safe!