YOUR 360 OFFERING TO SEE YOU THROUGH THE WINTER
4 minute read
As winter sets in, it can be a challenging time for businesses and workers and we can often underestimate how cold the UK can get in the depths of winter, neglecting the small steps that make winters safer and more comfortable until it’s too late.
That’s why we’ve created a winter safety checklist to help ensure your business premises are safe and comfortable for your staff.
FOR THOSE WORKING IN THE DEPOT…
One of winter’s biggest pain points – the cold! Layering is the key to personal warmth.
High-quality thermal wear acts as a barrier, trapping body heat and ensuring comfort during the extended outdoor work periods, making those chillier days just that little bit easier. Dressing in layers allows for better temperature control as indoor spaces may vary.
Thermal gloves, face coverings, and boots provide that extra bit of comfort to combat the biting cold when venturing outdoors. Thermal safety boots are designed to keep your feet warm even in the coldest of temperatures as they have a thicker lining such as fleece or thinsulate fabric and have been tested for cold insulation.
DID YOU KNOW: Most people lose 7-10% of their body head through their head!
Beanie hats and thermal snoods are a popular choice when a helmet is not required.
IMPROVE THE COMFORT IN YOUR OFFICES
A well-stocked canteen with hot drinks – tea, coffee, or hot chocolate, can provide that much needed respite during those cold workdays.
One of the most obvious ways to keep your workforce happy during the winter is to ensure that indoor areas are warm enough. In office areas and the like, central heating will usually do the job. But in areas such as garages, out buildings, and other less-insulated spaces, ensuring heat levels are met can be tricky. This is where having an indoor heater can make all the difference!
Winter hazards can be subtle but dangerous. Maintaining safe pathways by regularly spreading rock salt and grit will help to prevent slips and falls in the icier months: a must for workplace safety in your depot.
Ensure tools and equipment are securely stored using solutions such as Armorgard, safeguarding them against theft and damage. Providing that added bit of cover from potential thieves could help to keep your workforce operational. Whether your storing smaller volumes in the TuffBank or need a larger depot solution such as the Forma-Stor, we have what you need.
OR OUT ON THE ROAD…
Workers on the road are exposed to the harsh elements, requiring proper protective clothing. Invest in high-quality, insulated clothing, including waterproof jackets, thermal gloves, and sturdy boots to shield against snow, rain, and chilly winds.
With daylight being limited during the winter months, more work is completed in darker conditions. Employers must think about how their workers will be visible making hi-vis clothing is a great option - it reflects any nearby light, improving the visibility of your employees. This is especially important for workers in public areas and anyone working near roads. Hi-vis clothing is also beneficial in extreme weather conditions - including heavy fog or rain.
For further advice in prepping for the darker nights, read one of our latest blog here.
Provide an added level of TLC for your vehicle fleets that are out on the road this winter to help keep your teams operational.
Prepare for unexpected challenges by stocking up on vehicle maintenance kits, including essentials such as de-icer, screen washer fluid, scrapers, emergency warning triangles and a first aid.
We’d also advise regularly checking vehicles for wear and tear to prevent breakdowns in freezing conditions. Pressure washers can be used to wash away the effects of rock salt and grit that can lead to rust or damage to your vehicles.
Protecting your vehicles and the valuables they carry is crucial in the dark winter months. Consider investing in a range of security solutions, including Armorgard TrekDrors and van boxes such as OxBox and TuffBank. These solutions offer the added protection of up to 3mm steel, 5-lever deadlocks and anti-jemmy systems to keep your tools and equipment secure from theft.
Shop your complete 360 product offering for the winter months whether you are based at the depot or out on the road. SMI: your single source supplier.