Seasonal Shifts: Preparing & Protecting Outdoor Workers

Thursday 18th September, 2025
5-7 minute read

A Changing Climate with Real Consequences

As summer gives way to autumn, outdoor workers across the UK face one of the most demanding seasonal transitions of the year.

The shift brings shorter days, colder temperatures, heavier rainfall, and stronger winds, all of which create a very different set of workplace challenges. Unlike in the past, these changes are no longer gradual or predictable. The UK climate is becoming more volatile, and outdoor workers are often the first to feel the effects.

The Met Office provisionally reported that 2024 was the fourth warmest year on record, with average temperatures 0.7°C above the long-term average. Yet warmth does not mean comfort. The same year brought rainfall levels 7% above average, and England and Wales saw their wettest winter on record during 2023–24. Storms are also becoming more frequent and more powerful. The 2023–24 storm season recorded 12 named storms, more than any previous year since naming began in 2015. For those working outside, the message is clear: prepare for conditions that can change quickly, and plan for extremes rather than relying on “normal” seasonal patterns.

The Impact of Reduced Daylight

The most noticeable seasonal change for outdoor workers is the sharp reduction in daylight hours. Between late June and late December, the UK loses over nine hours of natural light. By the middle of winter, the sun is setting before 4pm, often leaving hours of work in darkness. This reduction in visibility has direct safety consequences.

HSE figures show that slips, trips, and falls remain the single most significant cause of non-fatal injuries in the workplace. In 2023–24, they accounted for 31% of all reported injuries, nearly 180,000 incidents. Many of these occur in autumn and winter, when darker conditions combine with wet or icy surfaces. For outdoor workers, the risks rise significantly when natural daylight fades, particularly in environments with moving vehicles, heavy equipment, or temporary surfaces. Reliable site lighting, well-maintained access routes, and high-visibility clothing are not optional during this period — they are lifesaving.

Weather Hazards in Autumn and Winter

Weather conditions present further challenges. Heavy rain is now falling more frequently in short, intense bursts. This overwhelms drainage systems, leaving standing water on roads, scaffolding, and worksites. Wet leaves can make paths unexpectedly slippery, while muddy conditions increase the risk of slips and loss of footing.

Wind is another hazard that becomes more pronounced in the colder months. Gusts can catch workers at height, destabilise scaffolding, or send unsecured tools and materials flying. The average wind speed in autumn and winter is nearly double that of summer, and recent years have brought storms with winds exceeding 80 mph in some coastal regions.

Fog and mist also become more common, particularly in low-lying areas. Poor visibility makes it harder for workers to see moving vehicles or machinery and creates risks for those working on or near roads. As winter advances, frost and ice add another hidden danger. Even light overnight frost can create slippery surfaces on ladders, walkways, or scaffolding platforms, increasing the chance of falls before workers have even started their tasks.

Preparing Sites and Schedules

To address these risks, preparation should begin well before conditions deteriorate. Risk assessments should be reviewed and updated to account for seasonal changes. Drainage systems need to be cleared and checked, access routes inspected, and lighting tested. Salt and grit supplies should be in place before the first frost arrives.

Work schedules may also need to be adapted. Shifting the most hazardous tasks into daylight hours wherever possible can reduce risks significantly. For sites with round-the-clock operations, reliable floodlighting is essential. Employers should also consider rotating tasks to minimise exposure to cold and damp conditions, particularly during longer shifts.

PPE and Equipment for the Season

Personal protective equipment is a frontline defence against the weather. Layered clothing is key to keeping workers safe and comfortable. A moisture-wicking base layer helps regulate temperature and prevent sweat from chilling the body. An insulating mid-layer adds warmth, while an outer layer that is waterproof, windproof, and breathable protects against the elements.

Cold weather also demands specialised gloves that maintain dexterity, insulated boots with slip-resistant soles, and protective headgear designed to retain warmth while meeting safety standards. Hi-vis garments must be clean and bright, as poor visibility increases sharply in the darker months. Employers should ensure damaged or faded PPE is replaced before the new season begins.

Equipment and vehicles also require seasonal checks. Batteries are more likely to fail in cold conditions, while tyres need to be checked for wear and adequate tread depth. Lighting, brakes, and heating systems should be fully functional to cope with the demands of winter.

Health, Wellbeing and Morale

The effects of colder weather extend beyond physical safety. Cold stress reduces dexterity and slows reaction times, making even simple tasks more hazardous. Frequent breaks in warm areas, access to hot drinks, and appropriate clothing can help prevent these issues.

The darker, wetter months also have an impact on mental health. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects an estimated 2 million people in the UK, with many more experiencing lower energy levels and reduced morale during winter. Outdoor workers are especially vulnerable due to the combination of physical exposure and long hours in harsh conditions. Employers can support their workforce by maintaining open communication, recognising signs of fatigue, and fostering a positive safety culture where concerns can be raised without hesitation. This can be achieved by regularly discussing safety issues, providing avenues for feedback, and acknowledging and rewarding safe practices.

Why Preparation Pays

By investing in preparation, businesses can take control of the situation and benefit from safer, more resilient operations. Proactive planning reduces accidents, improves worker morale, and ensures productivity continues despite harsher conditions. From stocking grit and checking drainage to issuing appropriate PPE and adjusting work schedules, small actions add up to significant benefits.

Businesses that invest in preparation can look forward to safer, more resilient operations. Proactive planning reduces accidents, improves worker morale, and ensures productivity continues despite harsher conditions. From stocking grit and checking drainage to issuing appropriate PPE and adjusting work schedules, small actions add up to significant benefits.

Final Word

The seasonal shift from summer into autumn and winter has always brought challenges, but in the context of a changing climate, those challenges are becoming more unpredictable and more dangerous. For outdoor workers, shorter days, colder temperatures, wetter conditions, and stronger winds create a high-risk environment that demands careful management. However, with thorough preparation, these challenges can be met with confidence and control.

Employers who act early, invest in preparation, and adapt their operations to the realities of modern UK weather will not only protect their workforce but also safeguard their productivity and reputation. Safety in the colder months does not happen by chance. It occurs through planning, vigilance, and a commitment to supporting the people who keep vital industries running when the weather turns against them.

At Stronghold Global, we understand that every season brings its own set of challenges for the workplace. From slippery surfaces in wet weather to reduced visibility on dark winter mornings and the heat stress risks of summer, changing conditions can quickly impact safety and performance.

Our Strength in Every Season campaign is built around one simple promise: whatever the weather, we have the right solutions to protect your team. With a wide range of workwear, PPE, and safety innovations, we help businesses stay prepared, compliant, and confident all year round.

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