Health and Safety Tips: Winter Weather

The farming community in the UK is well versed in dealing with adverse weather conditions. Only last summer we saw prolonged periods without rain and record-breaking high temperatures. This time of year brings its own challenges to deal with from low temperatures and high winds, to rain, ice and snow.

Here are some basic precautions that can lower the risks whilst working outside in adverse weather.

1. Avoid all unnecessary work if at all possible

   • Try to plan well in advance.
   • Don’t rely on national weather forecasts look at local forecasts as this can vary considerably to the national forecast.
   • If adverse weather is forecast undertake only the vital tasks.

2. Avoid lone working

   • If you do need to go out always tell someone where you’re going, how long you will be gone for, and make sure to carry a mobile phone at all times.
   • If possible avoid lone working and complete necessary work in pairs.
   • Be aware of third-party contractors coming onto your property, tanker drivers, vets etc. check-in when they have arrived and ensure they have left safely.
   • Make sure all persons are aware of your lone worker policy and ensure they are contactable at all times.

3. Avoid any working at height in high winds or wet, icy conditions

   • Heavy snowfall can put added stress on the weight of a roof. Do not attempt to clear the snow from roof areas.
   • Falls from a height are still one of the biggest causes of serious injury in farming.

4. Ensure you and your employees are well equipped

   • Wear correct clothing for the weather conditions and have spares to hand.
   • Change out of wet clothing to help protect you from the elements.
   • Take plenty of breaks for hot drinks and food.

5. Gritting access and egress routes

   • Red diesel can be used by tractors, material handlers and light agricultural vehicles for road activities.
   • Use of red diesel is allowed for the gritting of a road, travel to and from where gritting takes place, and for the collection of equipment and material for gritting.
   • Red diesel is not permitted for gritting used on private land eg. supermarket car parks.
   • Contractor vehicles are not permitted to use red diesel.

6. Ensuring Farm access

   • Dairy farmers rely on regular collections from tanker haulers, try to ensure adequate gritting salt is available to allow the tankers access and egress from your collection point.
   • The tanker driver will always try their best to make the collections but in adverse weather, this may not be possible.
   • Make sure you have plans in place if collections cannot be fulfilled.
   • Be aware that any milk not collected within 48 hours would normally have to be disposed of.

7. Power cuts

   • Plan ahead in case of power cuts. Have alternative sources of heat and light in all necessary buildings and generators for any crucial equipment.
   • Ensure phones are fully charged, invest in power banks for emergency charges and make sure they are fully charged.
   • Have torches in known locations and make sure you have spare batteries.

8. Housekeeping

   • Good housekeeping will help prevent many slips trips and falls especially in bad weather.

If you require any help with the Health and Safety on your farm you can call our office on 01981 590514 or email info@cxcs.co.uk.