How to look after your physical and mental health on site this winter

The construction industry doesn’t stop for winter. Though projects may adapt and priorities may change during the colder months, it certainly doesn’t mean all operations cease. As such, many construction workers still need to brave the cold and continue working outdoors, no matter the weather. 

At Hawes Construction Group, we know our duty of care as responsible contractors includes making sure our colleagues’ health and wellbeing needs are continuously met. To make your winter working feel a little more comfortable – on both body and mind – there are a number of things you can do to care for yourself, your colleagues and your teams as you brave the cold and windy weather. 

Make sure you’re visible 

In winter, the days are significantly shorter – so it’s likely you’ll find yourself working before the sunrises or on darker evenings. For your safety and that of those around you, it’s crucial you can be seen. Provide and wear high-visibility clothing, such as reflective jackets and headwear – especially important if you’re working on or near the road.  

Of course, it’s also a great branding opportunity – at Hawes Construction Group, our logo is on all our high-vis jackets to let everyone know who’s working on their site, and how proud we are to do so!  

Stay warm inside and out 

It sounds obvious, but dressing for the weather on site is key. It’s easy to forget the layers when you drive to work in your heated car. But it’s vital you grab your waterproof fleece, gloves and woolly hat to dress for the weather (while still making sure your PPE equipment is secured safely).  

Don’t forget to find out where the nearest kettle is, and use it! Bring a flask to site and top it up regularly with warm drinks to heat your body and keep you hydrated.  

Check your site conditions are safe 

You’d be forgiven for wondering if you can keep ‘pushing through’ bad conditions. But your priority must be your safety and, if the ice and snow is too dangerous, let your site manager know or make a sensible safety decision if you’re the person in charge. 

Ice build-up on scaffolding or roofs can be particularly dangerous. Use sand or salt on slip-prone surfaces, pay close attention to your surrounding but, most of all, don’t take risks.  

Limit time outdoors 

Of course, your work may require you to be outside to complete vital parts of your project schedule. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t find a dry, warm location indoors for any project meetings.  

Hawes, as part of their site welfare commitments will always have somewhere to have your lunch in the warm and dry and also somewhere to dry out wet clothes. 

Have your lunch break, take phone calls and hold meetings in a secure space inside.  

Cold wintery weather can take a real a toll on our mental health. Whether is climate-led project delays, darker mornings or long rainy days, the season can have a big impact on the way we feel. If you’re concerned about your wellbeing or that of a colleague, please turn to one of our trusted mental health support services here.