With the temperature falling and snow appearing in some places around the UK lately, it is clear that winter has arrived and businesses need to do all that they can to manage this difficult period of the year.

Winter can be a stressful time for businesses because it can be so disruptive and dangerous - keep reading for 5 safety tips that should help.

1. Make Sure Staff Can Travel Safely

First, you want to make sure that your employees are able to get to and from work safely. If people are travelling into work then you need to emphasise safety, particularly if they are driving. You should encourage them to check their tyres and buy replacement car tyres if they are worn or damaged. You also need to tell them to drive slowly and carefully and give them the option of an early/late start so that they can avoid traffic.

2. Protect the Building

You also need to think about access to the building. You need to remove snow and ice from the surrounding roads, carpark and pathways and make sure that people can have an easy and safe route into the building by putting grit down on surfaces (this may need doing regularly in the middle of winter).

3. Encourage Remote Working

If you are able to, offering remote working is smart during the winter months. Not only does this mean that staff don’t have to travel to and from work in difficult conditions, but it can also reduce time off sick and stop outbreaks from happening at work. You might also find that staff will be happier and more productive working from the comfort of their home during the winter months.

4. Prevent Slips & Trips

Slips, trips and falls can be common in the winter months and greater care needs to be taken. As an employer, it is your responsibility to provide a safe work environment for your team. You should conduct a health and safety assessment and then address any slip, trip and fall hazards.

5. Turn Up the Heating

You do not want your building to be freezing during winter. Not only will this make it hard for staff and impact morale and performance, but it could also pose a health hazard. Although it is at a cost, you need to create a warm and comfortable office environment for staff during winter.

Hopefully, these tips will come in handy and help you to improve safety during the winter months. This can be a tricky season for any business, especially when you consider the dangerous travelling conditions, low temperatures and illnesses that can spread easily in cold weather. These 5 tips should minimise disruption to your business and keep your employees happy, healthy and safe during the winter months.