With the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) predicting that a ‘La Niña’ event could leave the UK with snow and high winds, lasting until February 2025, construction sites are being urged to put a winter risk management plan in place.

La Niña is part of a natural climate cycle that occurs when cold water from the Pacific Ocean rises to the surface, affecting weather patterns around the world – including the UK.

The WMO says there is a 60% chance of a La Niña event this winter, leading to heavy rainfall, snow and storms, as well as higher temperatures at the end of the season. It could also result in strong westerly winds.

Already, some parts of the country have experienced snow in November.

Now Paul Goossens, operations manager at SafeSite Facilities, believes it could create serious risks for construction sites across the country.

He said: “The weather is already turning, we’ve already had storms, low temperatures and even snow, so there are some serious issues that building sites should take into consideration for winter, particularly around health and safety.

“When you are talking about 50-100 miles per hour storms, and in some cases even stronger, there are many potential hazards on site that can cause injury if not considered in advance.

“Building sites should have a health and safety strategy for winter, because most of the hazards, such as high winds, flooding and longer hours of darkness, are completely predictable regardless of La Niña.

“Having measures in place to mitigate winter risks, when sites are often closed or unmanned for longer hours, is crucial.

“So, too, is finding solutions to other threats which are predictable and manageable, including the increased risk of theft and vandalism.”

The most important actions for construction site managers to consider are:

Ensure fencing and barriers are secure in stormy conditions

Check the wind loadings for all fencing and barriers in advance of predicted storms. They may need additional stabilisation through increased ballast. If a temporary fencing panel falls victim to high winds, it can cause a domino effect that brings down multiple panels with it. This can be a danger to those on site and the public, cause damage to equipment and leave the site unsecure. The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) says 12% of all non-fatal injuries to construction workers are caused by moving, including flying and falling, objects.

Choose barriers and fencing that are reflective or visible in darkness

It is important that barriers and fencing are visible at night, especially on vehicular routes and pedestrian pathways. Chapter 8 barriers include reflective strips and are most suitable. Steel barriers and water-filled barriers are other options, depending on site geography.

Use safe mats and bog mats to prevent slips and falls

These are crucial for pedestrian safety in any health and safety risk plan, but also for safe vehicular access on site. They create a steady surface in muddy or waterlogged conditions. Slips, trips and falls are the most common non-fatal injury suffered by construction workers according to report from the HSE in 2023, at 26%, ahead of accidents that involved falling from height. It is important, of course, to keep all pathways clear of snow and ice.

Prepare for a higher risk of break-ins and vandalism in winter

Longer hours of darkness can lead to a higher risk of break-ins and crime. Up to 90% of activations from sites protected by our CCTV solutions come after darkness falls. We’ve noticed that levels of attempted theft rise in winter, especially for our bigger clients.

Install lighting towers to ensure visibility now that darkness arrives earlier in the afternoon

Well-lit areas are vital for health and safety in winter, especially around pathways and access points. It’s inevitable that slips and falls increase in winter, and many of them could be prevented with adequate lighting. A second benefit of good lighting is that it can be a deterrent to thieves and vandals.

Explore modern CCTV systems that offer new technology

Modern CCTV cameras with thermal imaging now have the ability to produce far clearer pictures in low light or in rain or snowstorms. They can also enable you to set up lines of detection. For instance, if a public pathway runs close to a construction site, the CCTV will automatically activate if anyone comes off the path and breaches the line. They can even be set to issue audio warnings that the intruder is being monitored.

CCTV towers that can be fitted with alarms, sirens, reflective stripes and flashing bright lights that activate when an intruder is on site are also now on the market.

Consider installing wildlife fencing

Nocturnal animals are more active in winter when the hours of darkness are longer, and this creates two problems for construction sites. Firstly, it is an animal welfare issue because there are many hazards on site. Fences are available to deter all kinds of animals, even fences that keep out newts, frogs, snakes and very small wildlife.

Secondly, animals are often mistaken for humans by CCTV, leading to unnecessary call outs. Specially designed wildlife fences help keep animals out, and there is a tech solution, too. Modern CCTV equipment can now use AI to tell the difference between animals and humans in the dark.

For more information please visit: https://www.safesitefacilities.co.uk