TyTek’s top tips to prepare your workplace this winter

As we head into party season, we do everything to ensure that we’re prepared for the fantastic festivities ahead:

• Tickets secured – Check
• Glad rags ready (including that questionable Christmas jumper) – Check
• Taxi booked – Check

It’s easy to prepare for the good times, but how’s your planning on the flip side of that?

Although winter weather arrives at the same time every year, many of us don’t take into consideration how it may affect the place we spend most of our time - The workplace.

We have put together five tips on how you can keep your workplace safe this winter.

1. Make sure your workplace is well lit

During the winter season the days becomes shorter and may people arrive and leave work in the dark. It’s vital your carparks and outside areas have sufficient lighting. If your employees are walking across a car park without any lighting, it could result in a catastrophic accident, it’s imperative that external lighting is fully operational and assessed by a staff member before the winter season.

2. Provide suitable protective workwear

We don’t mean a Santa hat and Christmas jumper, although many businesses opt for this! Those working in construction and industrial services, it’s essential that appropriate protective wear is provided. For example: high visibility workwear should be provided for those working in areas with low light or outside and those working in areas with limited central heating, should be provided with comfortable waterproof clothing to prevent injury and illness.

3. Prevent slips and falls

According to statistics, from the Health and Safety Executive, slips and trips are the most common cause of workplace injury. This risk is only amplified in the winter due to increased rainfall, snow and ice.

The health and safety of all staff members should be the employer’s number one priority, especially when weather condition drastically change. There are many hazards that occur this time of years, to make sure your workplace is a safe environment you should ensure that building entrances are regularly cleared, all walkway are sufficiently mopped of excess water and gripped footwear is provided for outdoor workers.

4. Raise awareness of winter driving hazards

In adverse weather the hazards associated with driving increase greatly. The sudden change in weather conditions can reduce visibility and make vehicle control more difficult. It’s recommended that employers provide staff members with a ‘driving for work risk management’ booklet - This usually includes vehicle preparedness tips, road safety reminders and travel warnings.

5. Avoid the dreaded cold and flu

Do you have an increased number of workers calling in sick at this time of year? Well, we may just have the answer, unless it’s the common Christmas hangover…

As the temperature begins to drop our immune systems become sensitive and more prone to the common cold. We can’t completely prevent this, however, there are steps you can take to lower the chances of it spreading around your workplace - Providing hand sanitizer for those working within confined environments and informing staff on the flu jab could be a step towards a flu free workplace.

We can all try and prevent an accident happening, but unfortunately, we can’t guarantee the safety of every employee in the workplace. It’s also imperative that we prepare for a catastrophic incident to take place. Here at TyTek Medical we provide a range of Bleed Control kits that can be used to stabilize a trauma patient before an ambulance arrives on the scene.

If your 2020 vision is focused on emergency preparedness, then make it your New Year resolution to visit tytekmedical.com. We’d be delighted to help you to help others.

So, as you head back to the party planning, especially with Christmas coming, we’ll leave you with some advice from some very special wise men: “Enjoy yourself. It’s later than you think.”