In the show Game of Thrones “Winter is Coming” is the iconic motto of House Stark. Symbolizing to be prepared not just for the harsh winter but for threats beyond. Well for all you entrepreneurs winter is here and its best to prepare your business not just for the season but for challenges beyond. From dark mornings and evenings to hazardous conditions, it’s your job as a business owner to keep your workplace safe and support your staff.
Take a look at the following tips for making your business safer in winter, with an approach to safety you can use throughout the year.
Ensure the Building is Safe
Maintaining a safe workplace is a priority for any business owner. While there are general health and safety procedures to follow throughout the year, winter can come with some additional pressures. Some additional checks during the winter can ensure essentials like heating and water are working ok, and that the weather hasn’t damaged any structures. If you find you need commercial roof repair or HVAC servicing, book it in sooner rather than later. Pay attention to areas like the parking lot too, which may need some salting or ploughing during periods of snow and icy weather.
Provide Safety Advice to Employees
Some seasonal safety advice can be useful to your employees, especially those who are new. Providing advice on what to do in different emergencies, as well as procedures for different types of weather events, can ensure people know what to expect and what to do during tough weather, ensuring they feel supported. Implementing lone working policies and ensuring all areas are well-lit can help your workers feel safer, especially if they are arriving early and leaving late.
Allow Flexible Working during Challenging Conditions
A key part of successful employee management is making the right calls to put employee safety first. Not all businesses have hybrid working models, and if your business is mainly office-based, you may want to think about making things more flexible in winter. This can mean allowing your employees to work from home, or changing working hours to allow employees to travel when it’s safer. Establish communication protocols for when your office may need to close, especially during particularly difficult weather. Employee safety should always be the priority, so make sure your safety procedures are robust and ready to action when needed.
Promote Health and Safety in the Office
Maintaining health and safety in winter isn’t just the business’s responsibility; it’s up to the individual too. Promoting health and safety advice can help employees prevent the spread of colds and viruses, while ensuring they maintain safe behaviors around the office. Posters and flyers can remind workers of key hygiene practices, while email and intranet items can also communicate policies clearly.
Winter brings extra challenges for businesses, but with the right planning and risk management, they don’t have to become problems. Keeping your building maintained, as well as communicating clearly with employees, can help create a safe and supportive work environment. Take a proactive approach to winter safety to keep them safe during the colder months, while also setting strong foundations for year-round safety.
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