Tips For Tradespeople Working in the Cold Weather

Tue, Jan 14, 2025 04:31 CET

Work doesn’t stop when the weather gets cold. But at this time of year, it's more important than ever to understand how to keep yourself safe and what steps to take when working in cold winter conditions.

From your clothing to your vehicle, your well-being to your insurance, there's a lot to think about when the temperature drops. Whether your trade involves working inside or outside, there are considerations to bear in mind for winter working.

A snow covered town with houses and a river

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Below, the experts at MyJobQuote.co.uk go over a range of tips for tradespeople who are working in the cold this winter…

How to Work Smart in Cold Weather

Depending on your working situation or trade, there are plenty of ways of working smarter in cold weather.

Wear Appropriate Clothing

The most important aspect of working in cold weather is the need to keep warm, particularly when outside. But you also have to be able to move freely. Bulky clothes might keep you toasty but can be restrictive. You’re also at risk of overheating once you get moving.

Layer Up

The best approach is to wear three loose layers, which allow you to move around but trap warm air between the layers. As you heat up, you can easily remove a layer. Consider good thermals, a breathable fleece and a waterproof top layer if you’re working outside.

Protect Your Extremities

For your extremities, i.e. your head, feet and hands, invest in a warm hat, waterproof boots and good quality gripper gloves. Being warm isn't just about comfort; it also makes it easier to concentrate on your work rather than think about how cold and uncomfortable you feel.

Check the Weather Forecast

If your trade involves working outside, make sure to check the weather forecast regularly. Keep a good quality weather app on your phone so you can see an hour-by-hour forecast. This helps you to plan your day and adjust your schedule if needed.

Be Aware of Site Conditions

In cold or stormy weather, it’s vital to familiarize yourself with the site conditions. Check for icy patches, scaffolding security, ladders that may be slippery, etc. Safety should be your priority for yourself and others.

Illuminate Your Work Area

With shorter days, you'll need good quality work lights when working outdoors and often indoors on certain sites. It's also important to make sure you can be seen by others working around you, so wear a Hi-visi.

Look Out for Younger Co-workers

For apprentices and younger workers, the first winter on site can be tough. Make sure they understand the importance of wearing the right clothing and footwear. Encourage them to stay hydrated and take breaks to warm up. Set a good example for them by doing the same.

Self-care

Looking out for your younger co-workers is an admirable thing to do, and you should apply the same level of care to yourself. Make sure you are taking adequate breaks, eating healthily to boost your immune system in the cold and flu season and drinking enough. Not just tea and coffee but water and fruit juices, too.

Don’t Rush the Work

When the weather is cold, it’s tempting to rush to get the job done. This can lead to accidents and injuries. Work at your normal, professional pace, and you'll keep yourself safe. Often, doing something in a hurry slows you down as you're more likely to make a mistake and have to go back and fix it.

Know When to Call It a Day

It’s also important to know when to stop working. Although you may want to get everything finished, don’t push yourself to work beyond your limits in cold weather. It’s better to come back refreshed the next day than to work late and when you’re tired. Remember, keeping warm consumes a lot of your energy.

Transport

Your vehicle is essential for transporting you and your tools. So, make sure you give it the care it needs to keep it working reliably in cold weather.

Take Care of Your Vehicle

Either take your van for a winter health check to your local garage or give it a thorough check-up yourself. Get your brakes, tyres, fluid levels, wipers and battery ready for cold morning starts and icy roads.

Have Extra Supplies

Make sure you have extra supplies in your van. A spare set of dry clothes, extra boots, an emergency blanket, snacks, water and a first aid kit. Essentials such as jump leads, a warning triangle and a sturdy torch should always be in your vehicle.

General Advice for Tradespeople Working in Cold Weather

Winter comes with plenty of problems, from wet, cold and windy weather to shorter daylight hours and the pressure of the holidays. But there are things you can do to help get through it safely and in good health.

Use a Commonsense Approach

Take a sensible approach to working in cold weather, whether that's how you dress or your on-site approach, taking care of your health and making sure your vehicle is fit for purpose in winter. It's a tough time, and it pays to plan ahead.

Be Properly Insured

Accidents are more likely to occur in winter due to the weather, darker evenings and road conditions. Therefore, it pays to have the right insurance for your work activity and your vehicle. Make sure your cover is appropriate and adequate.

Adjust Your Priorities for the Conditions

When bad weather hits, whether it's snow, freezing conditions, rain, or high winds, it’s sensible to reassess your priorities. If you have external and internal work, use the time when you can’t work outside to do jobs inside.

If all your work is done outside, e.g. roofing and icy conditions stop your progress, there's not much you can do. It's not worth risking your safety, so hold off until you can safely carry on.

Final Thoughts

Cold weather affects different trades in different ways. Some who work completely internally are less likely to be affected, while other trades often have to deal with unavoidable delays and setbacks because of the conditions. Factoring this into your business will help you balance the bad weather days with the good.

MyJobQuote is one of the UK's top trades matching sites that helps individuals find a reputable tradesperson in their local area.

MyJobQuote also has a wide range of experts with extensive knowledge in interior design, cleaning, gardening, property, construction and more. MyJobQuote's experts have been featured in over 700 publications, including Woman and Home, The Times, House Beautiful, BBC News and more.