Health and Safety Exec warns against winter risks

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is warning those who might be at risk of the poorer visibility and colder weather in the winter months to take extra precautions to protect themselves.

Claiming fewer hours of daylight and lower temperatures present additional risks, the organisation suggests businesses plan how these factors will change their current procedures and plan accordingly.

Principal inspector of construction for the HSE Peter Black claims the winter months increase the potential for accidents to happen.

He asserts: "For those working outdoors, the winter months bring additional challenges to keeping safe."

"With a little planning and common sense these can be avoided," he adds.

Among the measures he highlights are keeping vehicle windows clear so driving safety is not impeded, clearing lights so these are visible and can be avoided by workers on foot and the importance of illuminating work areas to reduce the risks of slips, trips and falls.

The HSE is an organisation which aims to tackle health and safety issues through researching and informing companies about what measures they must take, as well as promoting safety training initiatives and inspecting businesses.