While working in winter it could effect how you work or even make your workplace conditions harder to work. Particularly if you work in a field or outside taking safety measures against the winters conditions is a must. 

Precautions for workforce during winter in the workplace

• Dress in plenty of layers to match the temperature of the environment you work in – applies more to workers working in an environment outside. 
• Frequent breaks in warm, dry areas are good for the workforce so they can warm up.
• Stay away from sweet drinks that contain caffeine or alcohol. Have nice warm beverages to keep you going. 
• Eat hot, high-calorie foods. This encourages your body to burn the foods and keep you warm.
• Keep your muscles warm by not overworking yourself, energy is needed to keep the warmth of your muscles going while you work.
• Driving conditions are one of the big issues in winter. make sure your vehicle’s fluids are topped up. Roads become icy or can be covered in snow so make sure you drive slower, maybe even leave earlier for work so you don’t rush.
• Have a workplace safety program for the winter in place – This will give your employees plenty of information to work safely in the winter.
• Keep walkways clear for working!
• Areas that are hazardous should have signs, cones, barricades, or floor stand signs to warn workers passing by.

Extreme weather conditions

Conditions in the UK can get bad in the winter, other places around the world such as Canada, Sweden etc. have much more severe winter conditions which can lead to frostbite or hypothermia.

• Dress in plenty layers to keep you warm from the temperature and windchill if working outside. If you do start to sweat take off some of the layers because it will increase your chance of hypothermia.
• If you work in extreme weather conditions make sure all your skin is covered up. Try and wear mittens instead of gloves because while wearing mittens your fingers have more freedom to touch each other to create warmth. Make sure you have waterproof boots on so your feet are dry at all times and also have a few layers of socks on. It is essential to keep your toes and fingers warm and dry because they can develop frostbite the easiest. 
• Bring extra clothes with you in case you get wet. Never work in wet clothes as dry clothing keeps workers warm.
• Work during the warmest part of the day, and work in pairs or groups.
• If working in windy conditions make sure you have a shelter set up!. This will help make working conditions much more easier. 

As long as you take the right precautions winter work can still be safe. Make sure your employees know how to work in winter conditions.