Adverse weather: preparation is key for employer safety

摘要

No-one can predict exactly what the weather's going to be like over this winter but it is at least possible for companies to be ready when things take a turn for the worse. After all, employers must remember that they have a duty of care concerning the health and safety of their employees. The key to success is to adopt a common sense approach, striking a balance between asking employees to make all reasonable efforts to be mindful at work while not encouraging them to take any undue risks with their safety in mind. Employers are responsible for making sure the workplace is safe so far as is reasonably practicable and should consider instigating an adverse weather policy ahead of the traditionally colder, bitter and icy months of deep winter. It's important that this policy, which sets out an organisation's position and how it will handle issues surrounding bad weather, is communicated and properly explained to all staff.