Australia is known for its hot dry summers, but across certain states, winter means frost, snow, wind and below zero temperatures. This brings with it a change in working conditions that increase risks and hazards across work sites, particularly if your workforce is outside amongst the elements. It’s important for businesses to have a proactive approach to managing winter-related risks, implementing controls and strategies to keep workers safe. After all, a strong workplace safety culture extends to all seasons.

With Australia now well and truly in the grips of winter, we share some of the main hazards employers should look out for during this period, and what they can do to mitigate risk and keep their workforce safe this winter. 

Slips, trips and falls 

While these are OHS risks at any time of year, they can become particularly common during winter, when rain and frost bring with them the increased risk of slips occurring. In fact, according to Safe Work Australia, there were more than 27,800 serious claims from accidents caused by slips, trips and falls from 2019 to 2020. 

The good news is that slips, trips and falls are preventable if employers implement a proactive safety plan that specifically addresses these in winter conditions. Not only will this improve worker safety, but also minimise the potential costs from workers’ compensation payments. 

Firstly, it will be important to keep foot traffic areas, such as walkways and doorways, clear and dry. To reduce the risk of slippery areas in your workplace you can:

• regularly clean the areas, including mopping and drying 
• have clothing racks available so wet jackets/umbrellas etc. aren’t carried around dripping 
• use ‘wet floor’ signage and cones 
• use anti-slip floor mats, stair trends and ladder rung coverings to provide traction and firm footing 

It is also a good idea to encourage employees to wear, or provide them with, footwear that has good slip resistance and soles made of urethane or rubber. In wet conditions, the shoe sole tread should be deep enough to help penetrate the surface water and make direct contact with the floor. 

Repetitive strain injuries/Occupational o(RSI) 

For jobs that involve repetitive movement, such as process workers or bottling line attendants, RSI is already a workplace risk that should be monitored. However, its chances of occurring can significantly increase in winter because cold muscles are less flexible and therefore more susceptible to strain from overuse. Low hand or body temperatures also reduce blood circulation, increasing the build-up of toxic by-products in the muscles that further increases the risks for workers. 

In this way, ensuring your employees have a warm core temperature and extremities is important. Encouraging them to wear multiple layers, as well as gloves (if safe to do so), will be important, as well as educating them about warming up before a shift or after a break. Rotating employees through tasks, so they are not doing the same thing or exposed to the cold for too long is also a good way to minimise repetitive strain issues. 

Vehicle-related accidents 

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, there were 62,737 hospitalisations and 1,332 deaths as a result of transport accidents in 2019-2020. Decreased visibility due to fog, rain and darkness (as days are shorter employees may find themselves beginning or ending work in the dark) will all contribute to a more dangerous driving environment. 

Whether employees are driving tractors, cars or forklifts, employers should alert them about the increased risks in winter. This can be done through specific vehicle safety training or toolbox talks, which address the change in conditions employees should be aware of in winter. 

Covid-19, colds and flu 

Infectious illness is a significant burden on businesses and, particularly with Covid-19 still very much a presence within the community, this risk increases along with the winter season. Employers can help reduce the risk of viral infections amongst their workforce by encouraging their workforce to receive their vaccinations, or providing them with flu vaccinations on-site. 

Having a Covid-safe plan in place that is updated according to your state’s mandates, and communicating requirements effectively to employees, will also help to mitigate risks. 

Mental health issues 

Workplace safety in winter isn’t just about physical health. Mental health has also become a serious OHS issue, with Australian businesses losing $14.81 billion each year to psychological health issues. Manufacturing has one of the highest rates of poor mental health, with one in five manufacturing employees saying they experience issues such as anxiety, depression and low moods due to organisational stressors, including lack of control, high demands and low job security. 

Unfortunately, issues such as depression and anxiety can increase during winter months. Also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, 35% of people say they feel more down in winter compared to the other seasons, as well as experienced reduced motivation at work and less connection with their colleagues. 

Employers that want to protect their employees and business from mental health issues should consider adopting a preventative, if not proactive, approach to mental health, and ensure there are the correct systems, policies, procedures and capabilities in place. By proactively investing in the mental health of the workforce, businesses can build resilience capabilities across the organisation, improve retention and increase productivity outcomes. 

If you require assistance in ensuring the safety of your workforce, contact Acclaimed Workforce today for an initial workplace assessment, toolbox talks and expert employee safety inductions and training.