Workers urged to be cautious in bad weather

Workers should take extra care during the adverse weather conditions, the British Safety Council has warned...

“The winter-like weather of snow, sleet and ice brings with it increased risk of accidents,” Neal Stone head of policy of the British Safety Council, has said.

“Slips, trips and falls are by far the biggest cause of workplace accidents and when you add in wintery conditions the risk increases tenfold. Workers should make every effort to wear appropriate footwear and warm clothing, especially when working for most of their day outdoors. If they normally work alone and especially if they work in remote areas, they should ensure they have a fully charged mobile phone with them or ask a colleague to accompany them.”

Working from home can also bring an increased risk, Mr Stone said.

“People who do not normally work from home but are doing so due to the extreme weather conditions also need to assess any hazards such as trailing wires from laptops. People can have a false sense of being safe if they are within familiar surroundings. Most accidents occur in the home - the common sense you use at work will help you identify those hazards in the home that have the potential to cause injury and harm.”