When the mornings are darker and the ground’s a bit wet underfoot, it’s easy to think of winter
safety as just a matter of putting on our boots and avoiding slippery surfaces. But there’s more
to it than that.
The cold affects how our bodies move. Muscles tighten up, and joints feel stiff. People tend to
rush in and start work before they’ve really warmed up.
That’s where the little things make a difference.
Have you warmed up before work?
A quick warm-up before starting the day is one of the most overlooked winter habits. It doesn’t
take long, just a few minutes of movement to loosen up and signal to your body that it’s time to
work. Simple things like squats, shoulder rolls, or arm swings can help prevent the early shift
strains that often happen when people go straight from the ute to heavy lifting.
As personal trainer Annalie Brown puts it –
“People think of warm-ups as something for the gym,
but the same principle applies on site. Cold, tight muscles are more prone to injury. A short
burst of movement at the start of the day can help your body handle the load more safely.”
Are your boots still in good nick?
If your work boots have lost their grip or are packed with mud, the chance of slipping goes way
up. This is a good time of year to check the soles, knock out the muck, and make sure they’re
still doing their job properly.
Keep talking
Winter tends to hit energy levels and mood too. It’s not always easy to spot. A quick check-in at
the start of a shift that includes winter-specific stuff can keep everyone thinking
clearly and working safely. Looking after mental wellbeing is part of staying safe too.
Cold hands don’t grip as well
Another quiet risk in winter is reduced grip strength. When your hands are freezing, you’re not
as steady or strong. Gloves with decent grip make a difference, and it’s worth reminding the
crew to take that extra moment before climbing or lifting.
Want some new gloves? Talk to your Key Skills Consultant (handler!) for a supply of our brand new, branded gloves, just
arrived this month.
This post first appeared in Hire Wire, our free monthly newsletter on smarter hiring and all things in construction, engineering and manufacturing recruitment. Subscribe here or get in touch if you want to talk through anything you’ve read.
