Are you winter ready?

The days are short, the nights are long, and the winter chill is setting in. As we near Christmas, we also welcome in the coldest time of the year. The icy wind blows, the ground freezes and simply getting into work can become fraught with hazards.

The key to getting through the winter is preparation. So we’ve put together a handy selection of work winter essentials to help you survive the next few months. And below is some useful advice on the ways we tackle the wintery weather.

1) Keeping everyone safe at work

With the cold comes frozen paths and slippery driveways. Ice and snow can become dangerous if not dealt with quickly. Use our handy shovel to clear snow. Grit and salt will prevent surfaces from becoming an ice rink. Cones will alert your colleagues to any hazards.

People walking in and out of the office with wet, snowy and muddy boots can cause slippery floors. We stock a range of floor mats to minimise the slip hazard and mess. And if you’re tired of tripping over everyone’s extra layers and bulky coats, tidy them away on a coat stand.

2) Get dressed up

Layers are the key to keeping warm. The layers create pockets of warm air that provide insulation. You can layer up or down, adjusting your clothing levels to suit your activity. For workwear – we’ve got you covered! You can grab all types of clothes from thermals to coats that will keep you warm and make sure you’re seen in the winter gloom.

3) Stay safe on the roads

If you are driving in freezing conditions, remember to take it slow – stopping distances are up to 10 times longer. Be prepared for frozen windscreens with de-icer and winter screen wash. For more detailed tips and techniques read the AA’s seasonal advice on driving.

4) Stay comfortable inside

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 state, ‘During working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable.’ The guidelines suggest a minimum temperature of 16 degrees Celsius for the workplace, and 13 degrees if your work involves ‘rigorous physical effort’.

If you’re feeling the chill, get yourself a personal heater, but remember to turn it off when you leave in the evening.

And if all else fails, crack open the hot chocolate and biscuits and bond with your colleagues as you huddle around the fan heater.