As winter approaches, it’s essential to prepare your workplace for the colder months to ensure the well-being of your employees and the smooth operation of your business. Winter brings unique challenges, from freezing temperatures to potential snow and ice hazards. This guide will help you navigate the necessary steps to prepare both the interior and exterior of your workplace.

Outside:

Exterior Inspection:

  • Look to see if you have any missing or lose tiles on your roof, and replace them if they do. Under strong winds, lose tiles can be blown off and could be dangerous.
  • Make sure there are no damp walls in your workplace. If there are, check why and have the problem fixed as it will only get worse during the course of the winter months.
  • Check the doors and windows of the exterior of your building for things like crevice cracks, missing pointing and damaged window frames. It’s a good idea to have things like these fixed in preparation for winter as they could cause you more problems later on.
  • Check the security for your building, for example, if the alarms and outside lighting is working. This is even more important in winter than the rest of the year, as winter sees an increase in crime rates.

Gutter Maintenance:

  • Check to make sure all your gutters are clear of leaves and other blockages. If left blocked, damage could be caused to the gutters, and cause water to enter the roof space, meaning possible damage to ceilings and walls.

Vehicle Maintenance:

  • Service company vehicles to ensure they are ready for winter conditions.
  • Provide employees with guidance on winter driving safety

Snow and Ice Removal:

  • Keep salt and ice melt on site to be prepared for frost and snow.
  • Arrange for a snow removal service to keep parking lots, walkways, and entrances clear.

Inside:

Heating Systems:

  • Schedule a professional inspection of your heating systems to ensure they are functioning efficiently.
  • Clean or replace filters to improve air quality and heating system performance.
  • Consider installing space heaters in areas that may not receive adequate heating.

Insurance:

  • Check your insurance to make sure everything that should be covered is, and also check what you’re policy actually covered for. It wouldn’t be good to find out when your workplace is flooded that you are not covered for that type of damage!
  • Have a look at where your main water tap is so if need be it can be turned off in an emergency.

Insulation:

  • Check all windows and doors on the inside of your building as well, and make sure things like the window locks are secure and intact.
  • Invest in additional insulation if needed, especially in older buildings.

Emergency Supplies:

  • Stock up on essentials such as blankets, extra coats, and emergency supplies in case of power outages or extreme weather conditions.

Winter-Ready Flooring:

  • Use weather-resistant mats near entrances to prevent slips and falls from wet or snowy footwear.
  • Place drip trays for umbrellas to avoid slippery floors.

By taking proactive measures to prepare both the interior and exterior of your workplace for winter, you can create a safer and more comfortable environment for your employees. Regular maintenance, communication, and employee training are key components to a safe and warm winter. Stay ahead of the weather, and ensure your workplace is ready for whatever winter may bring.