Winter can bring unique challenges and additional costs to businesses. Preparing for the cold weather is crucial to ensure smooth operations and protect both your business and employees. This guide offers practical advice on how to get your business winter-ready.
Preparing your business
Proper preparation can help mitigate winter-related disruptions. Here are key steps to consider:
- Identify hazards
- Conduct a thorough inspection of your premises to identify potential hazards both inside and outside.
- Pay attention to areas prone to ice or snow accumulation and ensure they are well-marked and treated.
- Update emergency management plans
- Review and update your emergency management plan to address winter-specific scenarios.
- Ensure all employees are familiar with emergency procedures and have access to necessary resources.
- Check Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Ensure your business has adequate PPE for cold temperatures, including warm and waterproof clothing.
- Verify that PPE is in good condition and available for all employees who need it.
- Inventory audit
- Conduct an inventory audit to ensure you have essential supplies for winter operations.
- Stock up on items like grit (in case of icy conditions) and other winter maintenance tools.
Managing energy bills
Energy costs can rise significantly during winter. Implement these strategies to manage your energy use effectively:
- Test heaters and equipment
- Before winter sets in, test all heaters, lights, and equipment to ensure they are working properly and safely.
- Review energy use
- Monitor your energy consumption and identify areas where you can reduce usage.
- Consider conducting an energy audit to uncover inefficiencies.
- Compare energy providers
- Review your current energy contract and compare it with other providers to find the best deal.
- Negotiate with your current provider for better rates or consider switching to a provider that offers a more favourable plan.
- Invest in energy-efficient equipment
- Research and invest in energy-efficient appliances and lighting to reduce energy consumption.
- Look for equipment with high energy ratings and consider replacing older, less efficient models.
Working in the cold
If your business involves outdoor work, it’s crucial to comply with work health and safety requirements to protect employees from cold-related risks:
- Provide warm and waterproof clothing
- Equip employees with appropriate warm and waterproof work clothes to prevent hypothermia, frostbite, and other cold-related conditions.
- Ensure proper heating
- Provide adequate heating solutions for work areas, such as portable heaters for outdoor sites or well-insulated shelters.
- Safety training
- Offer training on the risks of working in cold weather and how to mitigate them.
- Encourage regular breaks in warm areas and provide warm food and drinks to maintain body temperature.
- Monitor weather conditions
- Keep an eye on weather forecasts and alerts from the Bureau of Meteorology.
- Adjust work schedules and activities based on weather conditions to ensure safety.
Cold and Flu season
Winter also marks the onset of cold and flu season, which can impact your workforce. Here’s how to keep your team healthy:
- Understand leave entitlements
- Familiarise yourself with sick and carers leave entitlements to support employees who fall ill.
- Communicate these entitlements clearly to all employees.
- Flexible work arrangements
- Consider offering flexible work hours or remote work options (if applicable) to reduce the risk of illness spreading in the workplace.
- Promote good hygiene
- Provide antibacterial soap, disinfectant sprays, and hand sanitisers throughout the workplace.
- Encourage employees to practice good hygiene, such as regular hand washing and sanitising shared surfaces.
- Encourage flu vaccination
- Recommend the influenza vaccine to your employees.
- Consider organising a flu vaccination clinic at your workplace for convenience.
Final tips
Winter preparation involves a combination of planning, investing in the right equipment, and adopting efficient practices. By taking proactive steps, you can ensure your business remains operational, safe, and cost-effective during the colder months.
For more detailed guidance and support, consider consulting resources provided by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, and Safe Work Australia. Preparing your business for winter not only protects your assets and employees but also positions you for a productive and efficient season ahead.
