Winter contractors, real risks: managing third-party safety on your premises

Reviewed and updated July 2026. Statistics reflect HSE’s 2024/25 injury data.

As winter sets in, UK employers face heightened health and safety challenges, particularly concerning contractors and third-party workers. While many focus on permanent staff, it’s crucial to recognise that employers are legally responsible for the health and safety of all individuals on their premises¹. This responsibility becomes even more critical during the winter months when specific hazards increase.

Legal responsibilities

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers have a duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of all employees at work¹. This duty extends to contractors and temporary workers present on the premises. Employers must assess risks, implement control measures, and provide appropriate training and supervision to all workers³.

Winter-specific risks

Winter introduces unique challenges that can exacerbate the risks for workers, especially those who are less familiar with the work environment³. Temporary workers may not be accustomed to hazards such as icy walkways, reduced daylight, and cold temperatures. These conditions increase the likelihood of slips, trips, and falls, which are among the most common workplace injuries during the colder months².

Increased vulnerability of temporary workers

Temporary workers often face higher risks due to several factors:

• Lack of familiarity
  Temporary workers may not be familiar with the layout of the workplace or the location of potential hazards³.
• Inadequate training
  Without proper induction and training, temporary workers may not be aware of specific safety procedures required during winter conditions³.
• Insufficient supervision
  Temporary workers might not receive the same level of supervision as permanent staff³.
• Inappropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
  Temporary workers may not have access to or be trained in the use of appropriate PPE for winter conditions³.

Winter hazards contractors face

• Slips, trips, and falls
  Ice, snow, and wet surfaces are a major cause of injuries. Slips, trips or falls on the same level are the most commonly reported kind of non-fatal injury to employees in Great Britain, accounting for 30% of RIDDOR-reported injuries in 2024/25².
• Cold stress
  Prolonged exposure to low temperatures can cause hypothermia or frostbite. HSE guidance recommends assessing risks and implementing control measures to protect workers outdoors or in poorly heated environments³.
• Reduced visibility
  Shorter days and winter weather can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of accidents on site, particularly around machinery or vehicle routes³.

Practical steps for employers

To mitigate the risks associated with winter conditions and ensure the safety of all workers, employers should take the following actions:

1. Conduct winter-specific risk assessments:

Identify potential hazards such as icy surfaces, poor lighting, and cold temperatures³. Implement control measures to address these risks.

2. Provide appropriate training and induction:

Ensure all workers, including temporary staff, receive proper induction and training on winter-specific risks³.

3. Ensure availability of suitable PPE:

Provide appropriate PPE to all workers, including temporary staff, to protect against cold-related illnesses and injuries³.

4. Implement effective supervision:

Ensure all workers are adequately supervised, particularly during winter when risks are elevated³.

5. Maintain clear communication:

Foster open channels for reporting hazards and safety concerns promptly³.

Employers have a legal and moral obligation to ensure the health and safety of all individuals on their premises¹. By recognising the unique risks associated with winter and taking proactive steps to mitigate these hazards, employers can create a safer work environment for everyone. Winter contractor safety isn’t just seasonal, it’s a year-round responsibility that becomes critical when icy surfaces, frost, and reduced daylight combine with temporary or unfamiliar staff³.

Please note: This blog provides general health and safety guidance for UK workplaces. Following these steps does not guarantee legal compliance. To conduct a full health and safety self-assessment today, download our Health & Safety 360° Guide 2026/2027.

References

¹ Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

² Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Kind of accident statistics in Great Britain

³ Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Temperature at work: guidance for employers