Winter Construction RAMS: What Should Your Risk Assessment Include?
Quick Answer
Winter construction RAMS should identify the additional hazards that colder weather, shorter daylight hours and changing site conditions can introduce.
These may include icy surfaces, heavy rain, strong winds, reduced visibility, cold exposure and unsafe ground conditions.
The Risk Assessment should explain how these hazards will be controlled, while the Method Statement should reflect any changes needed to carry out the work safely.
Most importantly, RAMS should reflect the actual conditions on site, not simply the conditions expected when the document was originally prepared.
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Why Are Winter RAMS Important?
Construction work continues throughout the winter, but the conditions in which contractors operate can change significantly.
A task that is relatively straightforward during dry summer weather may introduce additional risks during winter.
For example, replacing roof tiles on a dry day is very different from attempting the same work during frost, heavy rain or strong winds.
Winter conditions can affect:
• Access and working surfaces• Scaffolding and working platforms• Plant and machinery• Electrical equipment• Ground conditions• Worker comfort and concentration• Visibility and lighting• Deliveries and material handling
A suitable RAMS document should consider these conditions where they are relevant to the work.
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What Should Winter Construction RAMS Include?
The exact hazards will depend on the work, location and weather conditions.
However, winter construction RAMS may need to consider:
• Ice, frost and slippery surfaces• Heavy rain and standing water• Strong winds and adverse weather• Working at height• Reduced daylight and poor visibility• Cold exposure• Wet or unstable ground• Vehicle and pedestrian movements• Electrical equipment in wet conditions• Safe access and emergency arrangements• Weather-related changes to lifting operations• Suitable clothing and PPE
Not every hazard belongs in every RAMS document.
The assessment should focus on the conditions that could realistically affect the work being undertaken.
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Working at Height During Winter
Working at height can become particularly hazardous during adverse weather.
Rain, ice and frost can make roofs, ladders and working platforms slippery.
Strong winds can affect worker stability, access equipment and the movement of materials.
The RAMS should consider:
• The condition of working surfaces• Suitable access equipment• Edge protection and fall prevention• Wind conditions and equipment limitations• Safe movement of materials• Weather monitoring• When work must be stopped• Emergency and rescue arrangements
Work at height should not continue when weather conditions make it unsafe.
The controls should reflect the actual activity rather than simply stating "take extra care in bad weather".
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Ice, Frost and Slippery Surfaces
Slips and trips are a common construction-site hazard, and winter weather can make them more likely.
Access routes, scaffolding platforms, steps and temporary walkways may become slippery.
Suitable controls could include:
• Regular inspection of access routes• Treating icy areas where appropriate• Removing standing water where practicable• Providing suitable temporary walkways• Restricting access to unsafe areas• Ensuring adequate lighting• Selecting suitable footwear
The RAMS should explain how safe access will be maintained throughout the work.
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Reduced Daylight and Poor Visibility
Winter brings shorter days, meaning construction activities may begin or finish in darkness.
Poor lighting can make it harder to identify hazards, particularly around excavations, machinery and vehicle movements.
The RAMS should consider whether temporary lighting is required and how it will be positioned.
Particular attention may be needed around:
• Site entrances and exits• Pedestrian routes• Vehicle manoeuvring areas• Excavations and changes in level• Access equipment• Material storage areas
Lighting should allow workers to identify hazards without introducing excessive glare or additional risks.
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Cold Weather and Worker Exposure
Working outdoors in cold conditions can affect workers' health, comfort and ability to perform tasks safely.
Prolonged exposure may also affect concentration and the ability to handle tools and equipment.
Depending on the conditions, suitable arrangements could include:
• Appropriate weather-protective clothing• Suitable gloves for the task• Access to warm welfare facilities• Additional rest breaks• Warm drinks• Adjustments to working hours• Monitoring workers for signs of cold stress
PPE should be appropriate to the actual hazards and must not interfere with the safe use of equipment.
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Strong Winds and Lifting Operations
Strong winds can affect construction activities involving lifting equipment, scaffolding, roof materials and large building components.
Materials with large surface areas may be particularly difficult to control.
The RAMS should consider:
• Weather conditions before lifting begins• Equipment manufacturer's operating limits• The type and size of the load• Suitable lifting arrangements• Exclusion zones• Communication between workers• Conditions requiring operations to stop
A single wind-speed limit should not be assumed suitable for every activity or piece of equipment.
The safe operating limits and planned lifting arrangements must reflect the actual equipment and work.
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Wet Conditions and Electrical Equipment
Rain and standing water can introduce additional hazards where electrical equipment is being used.
The RAMS should consider the equipment, power supply, environment and precautions required.
Relevant controls may include:
• Suitable equipment for the environment• Appropriate electrical protection• Protection of connections from water• Regular inspection of equipment• Safe cable routing• Isolation of damaged equipment• Restricting use where conditions become unsafe
Electrical equipment should not be used in conditions for which it is unsuitable.
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Ground Conditions and Vehicle Movements
Heavy rain, frost and freezing conditions can affect the stability and usability of construction-site surfaces.
This can create problems for vehicles, plant and pedestrians.
Potential hazards include:
• Muddy or slippery access routes• Reduced traction• Soft or unstable ground• Poor visibility• Standing water• Unsafe loading and unloading areas
The RAMS should consider the actual site conditions and how vehicle movements, deliveries and pedestrian access will be managed.
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Should RAMS Be Updated When the Weather Changes?
Yes, where changing conditions affect the risks or make existing controls unsuitable.
A RAMS document prepared during dry conditions may no longer adequately reflect the work if heavy rain, frost or strong winds develop.
Before continuing, contractors should consider:
• Have working surfaces become unsafe?• Has visibility changed?• Is access equipment still suitable?• Have ground conditions deteriorated?• Can lifting operations continue safely?• Are additional controls required?• Does the planned method of work need to change?
If the conditions make the work unsafe, the activity should stop until suitable arrangements are in place.
There is no need to rewrite an entire RAMS document every time the weather changes. However, significant changes affecting safety must be properly assessed and addressed.
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What Should a Winter Construction Method Statement Explain?
The Method Statement should explain how the planned work will be carried out safely, taking account of relevant weather conditions.
Depending on the job, this could include:
• Checking weather conditions before starting• Inspecting access routes and working areas• Preparing the work area• Checking ground conditions• Establishing safe access equipment• Providing temporary lighting where required• Inspecting tools and equipment• Carrying out the planned construction activities• Monitoring changing weather conditions• Stopping work when conditions become unsafe• Securing materials and equipment• Leaving the work area safe
The sequence should reflect the actual activity and the conditions expected or encountered on site.
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Can You Use the Same RAMS Throughout Winter?
Previous RAMS can provide useful information, but they should not simply be reused without checking whether they remain suitable.
Two construction projects may involve identical activities but very different site conditions.
For example, a bricklayer working inside a protected building may face different weather-related risks from a bricklayer constructing an exposed boundary wall.
The RAMS should reflect the location, working environment, equipment and significant hazards associated with the job.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do construction RAMS need to include weather conditions?
Where weather could affect the safety of the work, the relevant hazards and control measures should be considered.
Should roofing work stop during frost or ice?
Roofing work should not proceed where frost, ice or other adverse conditions make the work unsafe. Suitable precautions and the actual roof conditions must be assessed before work continues.
Do RAMS need updating during winter?
RAMS should be reviewed when changing conditions mean the existing assessment or planned controls may no longer be suitable.
Should cold weather PPE be included?
Where protective clothing or other PPE is required, it should be identified and selected according to the actual working conditions and hazards.
Is there a legal requirement for separate winter RAMS?
There is no blanket UK requirement to produce a document specifically called "winter RAMS". However, employers and contractors must assess and control relevant risks, including those created by adverse weather.
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Related Articles
• RAMS for Builders: What Should Be Included?
• RAMS for Roofing: What Should Be Included?
• RAMS for Scaffolding: What Should Be Included?
• What Should a Risk Assessment Include?
• Can I Use the Same RAMS Document for Every Job?
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