As the Met Office issues a level three cold weather alert until Thursday 15 December across parts of the country, construction employers are being reminded of their responsibilities to keep their workers safe as cold weather prevails across the UK
Working in cold weather conditions can seriously impact health and safety across a construction site if risks are not mitigated properly. With temperatures plunging to a record low of -15.7C at night in some areas of the UK, employers have a duty to determine safe minimum working temperatures for employees.
What is the minimum working temperature in the UK?
Indoor workplace temperatures are covered under the 1992 Workplace Health and Safety Regulations Act, which places a legal obligation on employers to provide a reasonable temperature in the workplace.
The Approved Code of Practice suggests that the minimum temperature should be at least 16 degrees Celsius. However, if the work requires rigorous physical effort, the temperature should be at least 13 degrees Celsius.
The minimum temperature for outdoor work is harder to navigate, as there is no legal minimum requirement. However, according to the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers must make a suitable health and safety assessment.
What health risks can occur due to cold weather on construction sites?
As most of the work on construction sites requires workers to be outdoors for prolonged periods, there can be health risks to employees if suitable clothing is not worn or regular indoor breaks are not provided.
Health conditions that can arise due to cold weather include:
- Chilblains
- Frostbite
- Hypothermia
- Pneumonia
Cold weather conditions also can acerbate the risk of catching colds, and the flu as the cold and dry air weakens the body’s immune resistance. There is also a higher risk of depression in the winter months for those who suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Alongside this, cold weather can also impact a worker’s ability to concentrate, meaning that errors of judgment are more likely to happen, which can acerbate the risk of accidents on site.
How can low temperatures affect construction delivery?
Low temperatures can also cause plant and equipment to malfunction due to cold and icy conditions, and lifting operations may be faced with unstable loads.
This may mean delivery times may be pushed back as construction sites become unsuitable and dangerous working environments, and employers are called to delay work.
Employers must take a sensible approach during cold weather
John Rowe, head of operational strategy at HSE, commented on ensuring better health and safety in cold weather: “We’re calling on all employers to take a sensible approach during the cold weather we are experiencing. There are lots of jobs that will be more difficult in the current conditions. Most employers will recognise this and make appropriate accommodations for their staff. That is the right thing to do.
“It’s also important employers ensure staff are working at a reasonable temperature. People working in uncomfortably cold environments are less likely to perform well and more likely to behave unsafely because their ability to make good decisions deteriorates.
“Complying with the code of practice is the right thing for an employer to do. By maintaining a reasonable temperature, employers are likely to maintain the morale and productivity of their staff as well as improving health and safety.”
