Construction union UCATT are warning construction employers that extra checks need to be made on sites, to ensure that work can be conducted safely, during the current extreme cold weather.

Employers need to undertake additional risk assessments during extreme weather in order to ensure that sites are safe before work progresses.

Employers also need to ensure:

• Appropriate protective equipment is issued.
• Mobile facilities for warming up and warm fluids such as hot chocolate or soup are provided.
• The introduction of more frequent rest breaks.
• Workers are educated on recognising the early symptoms of cold stress/ early signs of hypothermia. These include shivering, loss of co-ordination, slurred speech, memory loss and pale cold skin.

Alan Ritchie, General Secretary of UCATT, said: "Cold weather brings additional dangers to the construction industry. It is essential that employers ensure sites are safe and proper facilities are provided during cold weather working. If workers do not believe that their site is safe they should stop work immediately until problems are resolved."


(CD/KMcA)