Wet Winter Months – #WinterWithSelectequip

Another instalment of #WinterWithSelectequip is here. This week it’s all about getting through those wet winter months. We’re going to talk about the risks of working in environments where you may be faced with wet work surfaces and we’ll also tell you what you need to consider in order to ensure you stay safe in the workplace. There are many dangers of working in the winter which we’ve mentioned in our previous instalments, but focussing on the wet winter months, you need to take extra precaution because of rain, snow, sleet, ice and even decaying leaves- all of these things can contribute to a hazardous working environment.

UK winter weather conditions vary, we endure the cold temperatures, wind, rain and even snow. As prevention is better than cure, you must think about what can be done before you even start working… the preliminary measures you can take in order to ensure maximum health and safety. Fallen leaves can be swept up before they get chance to decay which would then cause a slip hazard. When the cold temperatures cause icy surfaces, you can use grit to again eliminate any hazards. Taking care of the basics will remove any threats going forward in the workplace.

Wet weather conditions can potentially aid in the development of illnesses such as hypothermia, frost bite and chilblains. As well as those health issues you could- when not equipped with the correct PPE be involved in incidents that result in more severe issues such as sprains, broken bones or worse. These injuries and illnesses are easily preventable if you have the correct protection in place in the workplace and you’re wearing the necessary PPE.

So what should you consider to ensure a safe working environment during the wet winter months?

Lighting. Have you got clear sight of all the potential hazards in the workplace? Working in poor lighting environments is dangerous as it is but when you have the added risk of injury from snow, ice and rain then you can’t take any chances. Make sure you can clearly see what you’re doing in order to ensure you eliminate the risks that come with working through the wet winter months. You can read more on lighting and working in the dark in one of our previous blog posts, which you can find here. You can also see our entire range of LED Lighting here.

PPE. The correct workwear should be at the top of your priority list in order to stay safe at anytime of year, during the wet winter months you should ensure you adapt your PPE to align with the risks you face. Here at Selectequip, we stock a wide range of PPE and safety equipment, perfect for every workplace this winter. Slip resistant boots are a must to prevent any slips or falls, our range includes slip, water and oil resistant footwear as well as products with shock absorbing heels that will make working in these harsh conditions that little bit easier. See these BeeSwift Sherpa Rigger Boots which take advantage of all of those benefits, perfect for working through the wet winter months. In order to stay healthy in the harsh weather conditions, you should adopt a layering system when it comes to workwear; it’s a great way to stay warm and dry this winter. This Tranemo Winter Parka T-Tex Coat uses a layering system. With a wicking layer to absorb moisture from the skin, a layer of fleece for extra warmth and then a waterproof layer for full protection. You can look at our entire range of workwear here.

So when you find yourself working through the wet winter months, remember to stay safe and have the correct PPE workwear and safety equipment. A safe working environment will prevent any unwanted illnesses and unnecessary incidents from occurring. Come back next week for the next instalment of #WinterWithSelectequip where we’ll be talking about how you can help yourself whilst working during winter.