Winter ready? Make sure your business is prepared

Are you prepared for the next cold snap?

February is statistically the coldest month of the year. It has already started with blankets of snow across most of the UK. This blast of cold is a good reminder that we need to be ready for freezing conditions. We want to help you get winter-ready with advice and supplies to stay safe and keep you warm through the icy chill.

• Wear the right clothes

Being dressed for the cold isn’t just shoving on a woolly jumper. Whether you’re commuting or working outdoors, layering up is the key to keeping warm. The layers create pockets of warm air that provide insulation. When you are dressed in layers you can adjust your clothing level to suit your activity.

If you’re in the warehouse, get your hands on some practical gloves that keep you warm and allow you to do your job. You can also grab some strong boots for outdoor work.

• Travel safely

However you commute to work, winter weather can cause problems on the road and transport networks.

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

Minimise your wait time in the cold by using an app that tells you exactly when your public transport is due to arrive. Buschecker  offers updates for 300,000 bus stops around the UK. Citymapper suggests a route for your journey and informs you of any delays.

You can still cycle to work, you just need to be prepared. Make sure you can be seen with a high-vis vest and lights. This article has advice for riding in sleet and snow.

• Keep your workplace safe

Outside paths can become slippery and dangerous. Use a 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.

• 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.

Please don’t get caught out this winter, make sure you have the right clothes and equipment to stay safe. Take a look at all our products that can help you be prepared for the big freeze.