As temperatures across the country plummet, the Health and Safety Executive have put together a helpful guide of what employers need to be aware of in order to protect workers. We have condensed the information into an overview of what you should be aware of, however, the full guide can be found HERE if you wish to take a look.

Exposure to cold in the workplace can affect workers’ health, safety, and comfort. Employers have a legal duty to manage cold-related risks and provide practical measures to keep people safe, whether working indoors or outdoors.

Legal Duties and Risk Assessment

Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, employers must:

• Assess the risks posed by low workplace temperatures

• Put suitable control measures in place

• Consult with workers or their representatives on how best to manage cold-related risks

Temperature should always be included in workplace risk assessments, for both indoor and outdoor work.

Minimum Workplace Temperature

The Approved Code of Practice to the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations recommends:

• 16°C for most indoor work

• 13°C for work involving rigorous physical effort

These guidelines also apply to indoor areas on construction sites. Outdoor work must be managed with appropriate protection from cold weather and suitable rest facilities at a comfortable temperature.

Managing Cold Workplaces

How cold is managed depends on:

• Whether the work is indoors or outdoors

• The normal operating temperature of the environment

• The type of work activity

Indoor Workplaces

Employers should provide:

• Adequate heating to maintain a reasonable working temperature

• Local heating where the entire room cannot be kept warm, such as fans, radiators, or heated zones

• Rest facilities for warming up, particularly in cold stores or after strenuous tasks

• Heating systems that do not emit dangerous or offensive fumes

Outdoor Workplaces

Workers exposed to cold, wind, or wet conditions must be protected from adverse weather. Suitable rest areas and warm shelter should be provided, especially on construction sites or where work involves long periods outside.

Practical Steps for Staying Warm

Employers can take several practical steps to reduce the risk of cold stress:

• Provide adequate workplace heating, including portable heaters if needed

• Minimise exposure to cold areas or cold products through process design

• Reduce draughts while maintaining adequate ventilation

• Supply insulating floor coverings or footwear for workers standing on cold surfaces

• Provide appropriate protective clothing, such as insulated gloves, jackets, or thermal layers

Work systems can also help:

• Introduce job rotation or flexible work patterns to limit time in cold areas

• Allow frequent breaks in warm areas, with hot drinks available

PPE and Cold Temperatures

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential in cold conditions, but it must be used properly:

• Ensure PPE provides adequate insulation without restricting movement

• Encourage workers to adjust clothing appropriately in rest areas

• Monitor workers for signs of cold stress, particularly when PPE limits their ability to warm up naturally

Employers should review the amount and type of PPE required to ensure it provides protection without creating additional hazards, such as restricted mobility or overheating during indoor tasks.

Extreme Cold and Health Concerns

In some workplaces, extreme cold may be caused by work activities such as cold storage, freezers, or outdoor tasks. Without effective controls, workers are at risk of:

• Cold stress

• Frostbite

• Reduced dexterity and increased risk of accidents

If workers report discomfort, illness, or symptoms related to cold, employers should:

• Review the workplace risk assessment

• Monitor workers’ exposure to low temperatures

• Adjust work practices, such as providing longer breaks or additional protective clothing

• Consider health checks for vulnerable workers

By assessing risks, providing appropriate heating, protective clothing, and rest facilities, and consulting with workers, employers can ensure a safe and comfortable working environment even in cold conditions.