As winter is quickly approaching, it brings with it a concern for the months ahead. Use this checklist to double-check that employers and employees are prepared for the winter months—
EMPLOYERS
1. Entries and Exits
As an employer, it’s important to ensure your employees have safe entries and exits to the building. Salting the sidewalks at appropriate times helps guarantee no one gets hurt is an important winter tip to follow.
2. Lighting
Adequate lighting should be provided in the parking lot and around the building with shorter days approaching. People feel safe walking to and from their cars.
3. Mats
There should be suitable mats for soaking up water and ice before entering the building. Having mats placed in doorways help guarantee no one will slip on their way in—or track mud, leaving the entrance of the building looking messy.
4. Temperature
Electric bills in the winter tend to fluctuate as the temperatures change. However, maintaining a reasonable temperature in the workplace will help keep employees comfortable during the cold months
5. Warm Beverages
Provide coffee or hot chocolate for your employees—a lot of people prefer warm drinks in the winter. Cold weather and shorter days can drag people down and make them feel groggier. A little caffeine boost could do the trick to perk up your employees throughout the day.
EMPLOYEES
1. Planning
Make sure you are giving yourself enough time in the mornings to get to work. Many people keep the same timeline, not accounting for the weather conditions. Ensure you have time to clear your windows of snow or frost, drive safely on icy roads, and warm your car to an appropriate temperature before driving.
2. Car Maintenance
Service your car: check tires, maintain antifreeze, and keep your gas tank full. Cars don’t operate the same way in cold temperatures as they do in warm. Help keep your car running by getting it checked before it gets too cold.
3. Staying Warm
Bring an extra jacket or a blanket in case you get chilly throughout the day. Office temperatures are hard to keep up to everyone’s standards so it’s important to be prepared. Bringing a blanket or jacket will help keep your temperature level comfortable.
4. First Aid
Pack a first aid kit in your car in case something happens while you’re driving. Preparing for emergencies will help keep you calm if your car breaks down or if you get in an accident on the way to or from work.
5. Heating Unit
If allowed, bring a small heater to keep your area warm without disturbing those around you. It can be hard to warm back up when coming back in from the frigid cold. A heater would allow a small boost of warm air to get you toasty and ready to get back to work.
This checklist could be the difference between an enjoyable winter and a dreadful one. Make sure you are prepared to take on the cold weather and let us help you with anything you feel you need to prepare your workplace for the winter.
