Staying Safe and Supported: Health & Safety Through the Winter Months!

At Craven, we understand that health and safety isn’t just about compliance, it’s about people. The colder months can test even the most robust safety cultures, so now is the time to plan ahead, stay proactive, and keep wellbeing front and centre. Some of the things we face through the winter months are…

Weather Hazards: Staying on Your Feet

Slips, trips, and falls remain some of the most common causes of workplace accidents and they spike during winter. Ice, snow, and wet flooring can turn even familiar environments into hazards.

Our advice is:

• Prepare early: Grit and salt pathways before the frost hits
• Prioritise visibility: Keep lighting bright around entrances, car parks, and walkways.
• Footwear policies: Encourage or provide suitable, slip-resistant shoes.
• Routine inspections: Regularly check outdoor and high-traffic areas for hazards.

Darker Nights, Higher Risk

With daylight hours fading, visibility becomes a serious factor in workplace   safety. Those working outdoors, travelling between sites, or finishing shifts after dark face increased risk.

Our advice is:

• Equip workers with high-visibility clothing.
• Carry out vehicle safety checks, particularly tyres, lights, and brakes.
• Review lighting across premises and car parks to ensure all areas are secure and well-lit.

Managing Mindset: Mental Health in Winter

It’s not just the weather that changes, our moods do too. Cold, dark days and post-holiday fatigue can leave staff feeling low or demotivated. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is common during this time, and employers should take steps to protect mental wellbeing.

Our advice is:

• Encourage open communication: Let staff know it’s okay to speak up about low mood or stress.
• Promote flexibility: Offer adaptable working patterns or remote days where possible.
• Engage teams: Small wellbeing initiatives, coffee mornings, charity drives, or group walks. Can all lift morale.
• Create a positive workspace: good lighting, fresh air, and a clean environment make a real difference.

Winter Maintenance: Planning Ahead

Cold weather can take a toll on your facilities and equipment. Preventative maintenance now can avoid costly breakdowns later.

Our advice is:

• Service heating and ventilation systems.
• Check gutters, pipes, and roofing for leaks or blockages.
• Ensure first aid and emergency supplies are fully stocked.
• Refresh staff on emergency and lone-worker procedures.

Winter may bring harsher conditions and lower moods, but it also presents an opportunity for leadership, to show staff that safety, wellbeing, and care remain top priorities.

At Craven Consultancy Services, we work with businesses to strengthen their health and safety strategies all year round. Whether it’s building robust risk management frameworks, delivering practical training, or developing wellbeing programmes, our goal is to keep your people safe, compliant, and confident, whatever the season.

Looking for extra support this winter?
Our Workplace Wellbeing Toolkit is designed to help organisations improve employee morale, boost resilience, and promote positive mental health, especially through challenging periods like the winter months.

Stay safe, stay proactive, and take care of your team this winter.
To learn more about how we can support your business, take a look at our services on our website www.cravenconsultancyservices.co.uk or contact us directly on [email protected]