How to Work Safely At Height During the Winter Season
Working at height during winter is far more challenging than in warmer months. Ice, snow, and freezing temperatures can turn a routine job into a high-risk operation. For those using powered access equipment such as MEWPs (Mobile Elevating Work Platforms), understanding these seasonal hazards and preparing for them is essential to keep both operators and equipment safe.
Why Winter Conditions Increase Risk
Winter weather creates a perfect storm of safety challenges. Slippery surfaces caused by frost or ice can lead to falls or loss of control when moving equipment. Reduced daylight hours and foggy conditions impair visibility, making it harder to spot obstacles or hazards.
Cold temperatures also affect human performance as operators may experience fatigue, slower reaction times, and reduced dexterity.
High winds add another layer of risk because they can destabilise platforms at height.
Key risks to consider include:
- Slippery surfaces from ice or frost
- Reduced visibility due to fog and shorter daylight hours
- Cold stress affecting operator performance
- High winds impacting platform stability
For more information on winter hazards, see HSE’s guidance on working outdoors in cold conditions.
Understanding these risks is the first step toward mitigating them. If you underestimate winter hazards, you increase the likelihood of accidents and costly downtime.
Pre-Use Equipment Checks
Cold weather affects machinery just as much as it affects people. Hydraulic systems can become sluggish, batteries lose charge faster, and ice can form on critical components.
But here’s the key point: pre-use checks are not just a winter precaution, as they are mandatory every single time you operate a MEWP, regardless of the weather. Skipping this step can lead to serious accidents and costly downtime.
Before starting work, thoroughly inspect your MEWP. In winter, pay extra attention to these areas:
| Component | Winter Check |
| Batteries | Ensure the battery is fully charged; cold reduces battery life. |
| Hydraulics | Check for leaks; cold can thicken hydraulic fluid. |
| Guardrails & Deck | Remove ice and snow to prevent slips. |
| Tyres & Stabilisers | Clear mud/snow; confirm firm ground contact |
These checks should be documented and signed off on before any work begins. A few extra minutes spent inspecting equipment can prevent an accident or several hours of downtime.
Grab this IPAF-approved MEWP pre-use inspection checklist to make sure you get your machine checks right.
Assessing the Worksite
A safe worksite is just as important as safe equipment. Frozen or waterlogged ground can compromise your MEWP’s stability, increasing the risk of tipping. Access routes should be cleared of snow and gritted where necessary to prevent slips.
Always check weather forecasts before starting work as conditions can change rapidly, and high winds or heavy snowfall may require postponing the job.
Think of site assessment as a dynamic process. It’s not enough to check once in the morning; conditions can deteriorate quickly, so continuous monitoring is essential.
Operator Safety Measures
Operators need to be adequately equipped for winter conditions.
Thermal gloves and layered clothing help maintain dexterity and warmth, while non-slip boots reduce the risk of slipping on icy surfaces. High-visibility clothing is essential in low-light conditions.
Schedule regular breaks in warm areas to prevent cold stress, which can impair judgment and reaction time.
As a simple rule of thumb: if an operator is uncomfortable, they’re more likely to make mistakes. Comfort equals safety.
We’ve published a detailed guide on the PPE to wear when operating MEWPs, with more information on what operators should equip themselves with.
Safe Operating Practices
When operating MEWPs in winter, slow and steady wins the race. Sudden movements on icy platforms can cause slips or destabilise the machine. Reduce travel speeds and avoid sharp turns. Keep the platform clear of snow and ice throughout the job – accumulation can add weight and create hazards.
If visibility drops or wind speeds increase beyond safe limits, stop work immediately. No deadline is worth risking a life.
Here are the golden rules, summarised:
- Move slowly and avoid sudden movements
- Reduce travel speed
- Stop work if visibility or wind conditions become unsafe
Emergency Preparedness
Winter conditions increase the likelihood of unexpected issues, from equipment failure to sudden weather changes. Have a rescue plan in place for operators stranded at height.
Ensure communication devices work in poor visibility and cold conditions. Operators should know how to perform an emergency descent if the machine malfunctions.
A well-rehearsed emergency plan can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major incident.
Training and Awareness
Seasonal training is critical. Operators should receive winter-specific safety briefings that cover equipment checks, site hazards, and emergency procedures. Refreshers on MEWP controls and emergency descent protocols are essential.
Additionally, it’s important to encourage a culture of reporting hazards immediately, as minor issues can escalate quickly in harsh conditions.
Lastly, training isn’t just about compliance; it’s about confidence. When operators know what to expect, they make better decisions under pressure.
Final Word
Working at height during winter requires extra vigilance, planning, and care. By combining thorough equipment checks, proper site assessment, and operator training, you can minimise risks and keep your team safe.
Remember: safety should always come before productivity.
Passionate about continuous improvement and risk mitigation, Del works closely with teams to implement robust safety protocols, drive ISO compliance, and champion sustainable practices that align with Star Platforms’ commitment to responsible operations. Whether reviewing incident reports or refining training programs, Del brings precision, accountability, and a proactive mindset to every task.
When not auditing systems or leading toolbox talks, Del shares insights on industry best practices, regulatory updates, and practical safety tips to help customers and colleagues stay informed and protected.
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