Spring brings longer, warmer days, a vibrant display of greenery and flowers, abundant wildlife, and a whole new array of health and safety issues to the workplace. Workplace safety is important all year round, but Spring brings with it some unique challenges. Read on to find out how you can keep your workforce safe and healthy this spring.

Avoid Slips, Trips and Falls in Wet Weather

Spring showers and unpredictable weather can introduce wet and muddy conditions or even flooding to work sites. Check the weather forecast frequently to plan ahead for wet weather, provide workers with non-slip footwear to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls, and put non-slip mats at building entrances. Be extra cautious when placing scaffolding or ladders on wet ground, and check the stability of the ground before using heavy machinery.

Safeguard Against High Winds

Spring can also bring high winds and storms with wind speeds of up to 40mph. Make sure any outdoor installations like scaffolding, signage, roofing, and loose materials are well-secured and can’t be blown down in high winds. Consider how high winds might affect certain work tasks and set a threshold for action, i.e. if the wind speed reaches 30mph, consider pausing affected work activities like working at height, roofing or lifting operations until it passes. Consider provisioning eye protection to keep workers safe from debris caught in the wind, and offer windproof outerwear. Trim long branches on trees and hedges near the work site as they can be easily pulled down in high winds, creating hazards.

Spring Gardening and Landscaping

If you do some spring gardening or landscaping on site, ensure you provide proper training to team members for using power tools. Regular toolbox talks can keep teams up-to-date and reinforce safety culture. Make sure all tools are fully functional and have proper guards in place. Provide PPE where required, including ear protection for loud equipment and have a check-in system in place for staff who are working alone or in remote areas. If any pesticides or weedkillers are used, follow COSHH regulations, provide gloves and eye protection where required, and use correct storage and labelling for chemicals.

Driving During Spring

Springtime driving brings its own hazards, including a rise in cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians, especially near parks and schools, so drivers should be extra vigilant. Make sure all fleet vehicles have a post-winter check on brakes, tyres, screen wash and wipers. Clean off any mud or salt residue and ensure windscreens are clean inside and out to reduce low-angle glare from the spring sun. There can be more wildlife on the roads, especially in rural areas, such as deer, badgers, and rabbits, so staff should exercise more caution, especially in the early morning or at dusk.

Spring Cleaning and Maintenance

A lot of workplaces do some deep cleaning or spring cleaning around this time, including roof and gutter maintenance. Make sure staff are well-trained in working at height and using ladders safely. It’s a good time to check outdoor areas for debris and fallen branches, and inspect exterior doors, walls, and roofs for weather damage. Trim overgrown trees, bushes and vegetation that obstructs visibility or creates blind spots.

Springtime Allergies

Pollen from trees, grasses, and flowers can cause allergic reactions like sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes and more, which can affect productivity and distract workers. Keep windows closed as much as possible to reduce pollen entering the workplace. Hayfever medication can also cause drowsiness, so make sure workers who are driving or operating heavy machinery take a non-drowsy allergy medication if needed. Consider providing safety glasses and pollen-filtering masks where appropriate.

Hot Weather Risks

Even though it’s not quite summer, we can have some warm spells during spring, so make sure outdoor workers have adequate sun protection, regular breaks and access to plenty of water to avoid the risk of heat exhaustion and sunburn. Bulky PPE equipment can lead to overheating during warm weather, so review the provided PPE for the warmer months. 

Insect Bites and Stings

Numerous insects are coming out to enjoy the sunshine, and with them, there is an increased risk of bites and stings. Be mindful of stored materials or outbuildings and check for any infestations before use. If team members suffer an insect bite or sting, ensure they seek treatment from a workplace first aider. Some insects can deliver a nasty sting that can even be fatal in the case of extreme allergies. Find out if any employees have an allergy to insect bites and stings, be prepared for the new risks this brings, and if needed, ensure staff are trained on how to use an EPIPen. Offer employee training on what to do if a bee, wasp or hornet nest is discovered onsite to protect workers and visitors.

Springtime in the UK is a time of renewal, but it also brings a unique blend of health and safety challenges for businesses. Beyond the obvious seasonal tasks like landscaping, there are wider workplace and driving-related risks that should be considered. It’s not all bad news, though – longer daylight hours and warm sunshine can improve mental health and workplace morale. Consider taking advantage of this by creating an outdoor break area so employees can enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. If you want some help with managing your health and safety obligations this spring, then get in touch with the team at Optimum Safety – see our contact page here or call us on 01522 527544.