Working outdoors in winter poses additional health and safety challenges for workers. The cold affects not only well-being, but also job performance, reaction and the risk of accidents. The employer must assess the situation and ensure that work is organised safely even in difficult weather conditions.
This is what the employer must ensure, according to the recommendations of the Norwegian Labour Inspectorate:
➡️ Appropriate clothing and protection against the cold – employees must be provided with warm clothing that is windproof and waterproof. If standard workwear does not provide sufficient protection, the employer must provide additional personal protective equipment.
➡️ The opportunity to keep warm and take breaks – access to warm rest areas or other heated areas must be provided. In cold weather, more frequent or longer breaks must be arranged.
➡️ Adaptation of work organisation – the employer must adapt work tasks, working hours and the organisation of work to weather conditions, including reducing the pace of work and productivity requirements when cold weather reduces employees’ ability to work.
➡️ Additional measures to prevent accidents – cold weather can affect work equipment, tools and technical systems, so it is essential to put measures in place to help prevent errors, malfunctions and hazardous situations.
➡️ Managing the risk of falls and injuries – snow and ice increase the risk of slipping, falling and other injuries, so it is essential to take preventative measures in workplaces and access areas.
It is important to know that Norwegian legislation does not set specific temperature limits for outdoor work. A general risk assessment must be carried out in each case, taking into account temperature, wind, humidity, the nature of the work, the duration of the work and the possibility of warming up. In some companies, work stops at very low temperatures - this is not a general requirement but a decision based on an internal risk assessment. ⚠️
If you have employees working outdoors in the winter and are unsure about safety requirements, we invite you to get in touch – we will help you assess the risks and find solutions.
Related: Advice and support on all aspects of occupational safety (HMS) · HMS IK system · Health and safety at work (HMS) on-site inspections