Working in cold, snowy and wet weather: What your employer must do to protect you
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The country is taking a hit today after a weekend of freezing weather, blustery winds, ice, snow and sleet.
And such glacial temperatures have led to school closures, power cuts and cancelled flights - with absolute chaos for millions of people.
But what about those of us that work outdoors? The risks are high today, and your boss has a responsibility to protect you.
These are your rights.
Personal Protective Equipment at Work Act 1992
The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 say that protective equipment must be supplied free, fit for purpose and properly maintained.
Employers must also give training in its correct use, and a 2002 update to the regulations say the equipment must be appropriately CE-marked.
Employers must then asses whether the equipment fits properly, is cross-compatible and actually decreases overall risk.
For example, ear muffs and balaclavas may keep workers warm in the snow, but if they can't hear or see road rollers coming, the protection hasn't done its job.
According to the law, your employers must
Ensure any protective equipment is appropriate
Provide mobile facilities for warming up, and encourage hot drinks such as soup or hot chocolate
Introduce more frequent rest breaks
Delay the work until a warmer time of the year, so long as that doesn't compromise safety
Educate workers about the early symptoms of cold stress
Signs and symptoms to watch out for
(Image: Getty)
Cold stress covers conditions ranging in seriousness, and includes chilblains, frostbite and hypothermia. If yo uspot any of these symptoms, talk to your employer or a GP as soon as possible.
Chilblains
Chilblains are permanent damage to the capillary beds from repeated exposure to cold.
Symptoms: Cheeks, ears, fingers and toes are typically at risk, and symptoms include redness and itching.
Treatment: If you're affected, gently warm the skin (not close to strong heat) and avoid scratching. Use anti-inflammatory cream to reduce the itch.
Frostbite
Frostbite occurs if your skin reaches minus one degrees centigrade, which it can in higher air temperatures if you're handling frozen foods, metal, or are wet.
Symptoms: It commonly affects the nose, ears, fingers and toes, and symptoms include numbness and paleness.
Treatment: Warm any sufferer gently indoors. Do not put them close to a fire or heater, as that can make the damage worse.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is very serious, and occurs when body temperature falls too low. Early symptoms include fatigue, shivering, loss of coordination and confusion.
Symptoms: More severe symptoms see the shivering stop, with blue skin, dilated pupils, slow pulse /breathing and then unconsciousness.
Treatment: Victims must be taken somewhere warm and dry, have wet clothing removed, and be warmed from the central body first – chest, neck, head and groin. Warm drinks are fine, make sure you call an ambulance.