Safety tip of the week: working safely in the cold on site

Mornings are getting darker, it rains more often and soon there will be frost on the scaffolding. If you work outdoors on a building site or on your own home, the cold brings extra risks. Cold hands grip less well, wet boards become slippery and at dusk you are more likely to miss an obstacle or a cable. And when you are cold and wet, your concentration drops. Here is how to handle that safely.

Why is working in the cold riskier?

Your body keeps its core at about 37 °C. When it is cold, less blood flows to your hands and feet. Fingers become stiff and joints move less smoothly. Wind makes it worse: it blows away the warmth your clothing holds, and damp skin cools down extra fast in the wind. Wet and cold at the same time is the combination you most want to avoid.

How do you prevent slipping and falling?

In rain, snow or freezing rain, roofs, scaffolds, stairs and ladders become slippery. What is normally safe can suddenly become unsafe.

• Clear walkways, access points, stairs, ladders and scaffolds of snow and ice before you use them.
• Spread salt or sand and use anti-slip on steps.
• Avoid walking through puddles and choose footwear with good grip.
• Strong wind? Then take extra care when working at height and secure loose materials so they cannot blow away.

How do you stay visible when it gets dark early?

In autumn you often start in the dark. Make sure the workplace and walking routes are well lit, so you do not trip over materials or cables. A head torch or helmet lamp gives light where you look; just aim it so you do not dazzle others. Wear reflective clothing, preferably with long sleeves, so machine operators and colleagues see you in time.

How do you keep your hands and body warm?

Dress in layers, so you can take one off before you start sweating. Has your clothing got wet, including socks or gloves? Change it straight away. You can read more about the right layers and footwear in our blog on working outside in winter.

• Handle cold materials with gloves.
• Do not leave tools outside or in a cold van, especially not overnight. Tools with insulating handles feel less cold.
• Do not stand still for long and change your posture; when working in one spot, put something insulating under your feet against the cold ground.
• Loosen up stiff joints before you lift something heavy or start working at height.
• Working with adhesive, sealant or mortar? Check the packaging or technical data sheet for the temperature at which you may apply it.

Checklist: working safely in the cold

• Are walkways, stairs, ladders and scaffolding free of snow and ice?
• Is the workplace well lit and am I wearing reflective clothing?
• Am I wearing layers, warm gloves and footwear with good grip?
• Do I have dry spare clothes, socks and gloves with me?
• Do I have a warm place for breaks and something hot to drink?
• Are loose materials secured in case of strong wind?

💡 Tip: bring a spare pair of gloves and socks in a plastic bag. That way you always have something dry to change into when things get wet.

Plan short breaks in a warm room more often and have a hot drink. If you can shield the workplace from wind and rain, do so. And if it becomes truly unsafe, for example because of ice on the scaffolding, stop. Want to know more about working safely in general? Then read our guide to safe working on the construction site.

What do professionals and DIYers often ask about working in the cold?

How do I recognise hypothermia?

With hypothermia, body temperature drops below 35 °C. Signs are cold, pale skin, sometimes blue lips or fingers, and uncontrollable shivering. Move the person to a warm place, remove wet clothing and wrap them in blankets. If they become drowsy, call 112.

Does a sip of alcohol help against the cold?

No. Alcohol does not warm you up. Choose a hot drink without alcohol instead.

May I stop when it is too cold?

In Dutch construction, work may be suspended at a wind chill temperature of -6 °C or lower, and also when the workplace cannot be reached safely because of snow or ice. Always consult your supervisor.

Keep working safely with Saniso

• Browse our reflective insulated jackets and thermal underwear for work.
• Also find work gloves, winter boots, hats with a lamp and other workwear and personal protective equipment.
• Questions about your job or the right protection? Get in touch with us.

Saniso – Build your home with Saniso.