Winter weather in the UK is notoriously unpredictable. It’s often mild and sunny one day, only to be followed by snowstorms the next. Businesses must brace for all possible extremes, from high wind to snowfall, low temperatures and heavy rainfall. While the weather can’t be controlled, simple preparation and regular maintenance will significantly reduce any risks. For example, high winds will require secure, well-maintained buildings, while flooding has additional preventative measures. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help businesses navigate winter weather challenges effectively.

The Impact of Bad Weather on Businesses

Adverse weather conditions can cause a variety of issues for businesses, including:

• Damage to building exteriors and interiors
• Loss or damage to equipment and goods, both on- and off-site
• Harm to neighbouring businesses and local infrastructure
• Physical hazards for employees, contractors, clients, and the public
• Mental health impacts due to stress

These risks often lead to both financial and reputational damage. Financially, there may be costs including repairs, relocation expenses, and loss of productivity. Plus, any closures or changes in service might harm a business’s reputation, especially if there is a perceived lack of preparedness or diligence.

Prioritising Safety and Responsibility

Minimising risk starts with proactive safety measures:

• Regular maintenance and risk assessments
• Implementation of safety policies
• Providing appropriate staff training

Appointing a dedicated safety lead, such as a facilities manager or health and safety officer, can drive accountability and ensure any company policies are followed. Additionally, businesses should consider all stakeholders who may be affected by bad weather. This should include people such as contractors and customers who may not be part of regular communications.

27 Ways to Protect Your Business from Winter Weather

Winter Weather Preparation: General Tips

1. Monitor weather forecasts – Staying informed about local and national conditions provides valuable time to prepare for storms.
2. Prioritise safety – Don’t hesitate to close if severe weather threatens lives. Productivity isn’t worth risking human safety.
3. Provide resources – Ensure that your teams have protective clothing, warm clothing for outdoor work, and supplies like rock salt and wet floor signage as needed.
4. Service equipment regularly – Preventive maintenance is cheaper than repairs. Check building systems, vehicles, and critical equipment regularly and not just in response to a poor weather forecast.
5. Prepare for power outages – It is often sensible to turn off water, gas, and electricity where feasible. Backup generators may be necessary for some businesses to ensure continuity and safety, so weigh up the pros and cons of doing this.
6. Plan for service delays – Anticipate disruptions to waste collection, deliveries, and logistics, and establish contingency plans to reduce risk whilst keeping things moving as much as possible.
7. Consider offsite risks – It isn’t just your premises that are at risk. Poor driving conditions can endanger your team’s commute and any workers who are offsite for business purposes. Evaluate the weather and conditions, allowing flexible or remote working where possible.
8. Conduct training and risk assessments – Empower all employees to report hazards, like leaks or icy parking lots. Having a clear process for this which is easy to follow, will encourage engagement, making safety a team issue.
9. Review insurance policies – Comprehensive insurance coverage is a must for any business. Ensure you have the appropriate coverage for buildings, contents, and stock to provide a financial safety net. Should you need to claim, photograph any damage to be used as evidence if required by your coverage provider.

Preparing for High Rainfall and Flooding

1. Inspect building exteriors – Cracked roof tiles, damaged brickwork, and loose pointing all allow water to penetrate a building. Checking and fixing these vulnerabilities will help to prevent leaks and a build up of mould.
2. Seal windows and doors – Refresh the sealant around these fittings to keep water out. Remember to keep windows and doors closed during any storms too, forgetting to close a window fully could be a costly mistake.
3. Clean gutters and drains – Blockages in gutters and drains can cause overflows that lead to water damage. Clear any debris regularly and look for signs potential problems. For more complex issues, you might want to hire in the professionals to guide you on the best solution.
4. Use sandbags and water pumps – Protect flood-prone areas with sandbags and pumps, diverting excess water away from your property and valuable equipment. You could also consider the building’s structure itself, installing things like airbricks.
5. Relocate valuables – Move any critical equipment and documents to higher ground where possible. If you can’t move everything, you could consider elevating items on bricks or tables.
6. Prevent slips – Keeping walkways mopped and dried where possible, adding mats with additional grip and placing wet floor signs out can all help reduce the risk of slips and falls.

Preparing for Snow, Ice, and Freezing Temperatures

1. Inspect roofs – Heavy snow can strain roofs leading to damage and even collapse. Conduct visual inspections and reinforce weak areas before snowstorms.
2. Grit car parks and walkways – Gritting will help to prevent ice build-up, so keep this readily available over the winter months. It is also a good idea to have shovels readily available. For further prevention, you could consider investing in paths with slip-resistant surfaces.
3. Close hazardous car parks – Even gritted car parks can be risky. Decide early whether to close them to prevent cars getting stuck or attempting risky manoeuvres. Communicate any closures clearly with signage and any email or social media communications you have available.
4. Install handrails – Adding safety railings on pathways and staircases will make them more accessible and is to be encouraged. This becomes especially true during icy weather, where handrails can greatly reduce the risk of slips and falls.
5. Maintain heating systems – Install appropriate insulation and service heating systems regularly. Government guidance suggests maintaining temperatures of 16°C (or 13°C if workers are doing more physical work).
6. Prevent frozen pipes – As well as general building insulation, consider insulating vulnerable pipes to avoid them freezing over as temperatures drop. You might also consider, turning outdoor water tops off when not in use.

Preparing for High Winds

1. Secure doors and windows – Lock doors and windows to prevent them from blowing open and causing internal damage. If left open, they could easily blow off their hinges. You could also adjust the settings being used on automatic doors or use shutters for extra protection.
2. Store outdoor equipment and signage – Many businesses with have temporary and portable items outside their premises, for example, special offers boars, open/closed signage and outdoor seating. Move all items such as, signs, seating, umbrellas, and bins indoors during windstorms.
3. Maintain and trim trees – Cut overhanging branches to reduce the risk of them blowing dangerously or breaking in the wind. This could be trees on your property, a neighbour’s or those maintained by the council. Most councils will have tree services on their website or find tree surgeons via a quick Google search or local Facebook group.
4. Reinforce fences – Don’t leave it until the weather forecast predicts high winds to check your gates and fencing. Tradespeople may become in high demand, making it harder to find them or more costly. Check gates and fences for loose screws, weak posts and strengthen them with crossbars and braces before storms hit.
5. Restrict access – Are there any areas which could become more dangerous in high winds? If so, think about whether you need to close off these spaces to reduce hazard exposure.
6. Move vehicles to safer spaces – Park any business, or employee vehicles in secure, sheltered spots, away from trees and vulnerable fences. Always aim to use garages where possible and if you have them.

By adopting these practical measures, businesses can avoid winter weather risks, protecting their employees and assets, and maintain smooth operations throughout the season. At GTSE, we offer an extensive range of supplies to help businesses safeguard their premises, equipment, and goods against winter weather. Our high-quality cable ties for indoor and outdoor use, durable tape, and a wide variety of fixtures and fastenings are designed to enhance safety and durability. With competitive prices and fast delivery, our products provide reliable solutions to improve safety and security for all.