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John Burke Associates
In Business

Navigating Construction Work in Snow and Low Temperatures

employer responsibilities

As the temperature drops in the UK this week, the challenges of working in construction during snow or low temperatures are significant. Understanding the legal obligations, employer responsibilities, and practical advice for coping with these conditions is crucial for the safety and efficiency of any construction project. In this blog, John Burke Associates explains your key responsibilities to your workers.

Understanding UK Laws on Low-Temperature Working

In the UK, while there is no legal minimum outdoor working temperature, the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 mandate that employers provide a ‘reasonable‘ working temperature. For construction sites, this means employers must assess risks and implement reasonable measures to protect workers from the cold. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides guidance on working in cold conditions, emphasising the need for risk assessment and management.

Employer and Site Manager Responsibilities

Employers and site managers have a legal obligation to ensure the health and safety of their workers. This includes:

Risk Assessment:

Identifying potential hazards associated with low temperatures and snow, including risks of slips, trips, falls, frostbite, or hypothermia.

Providing Appropriate PPE:

Ensuring all workers have access to suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), such as insulated gloves, waterproof boots, and thermal clothing.

Site Safety Measures:

Implementing safety measures like gritting for icy surfaces, providing sheltered areas, and ensuring that equipment is safe to use in cold conditions.

Training and Awareness:

Educating staff about the signs of cold stress and the importance of regular breaks in warm areas.

General Advice for Working in Snow or Low Temperatures

Working in cold weather calls for specific precautions:

Stay Warm and Dry:

Layer clothing to stay warm and dry. Waterproof and windproof outer layers are essential.

Regular Breaks:

Take regular breaks in heated areas to prevent cold stress.

Stay Hydrated and Energised:

Drink warm fluids and eat high-energy foods to maintain energy levels.

Clear Snow and Ice:

Keep working areas clear of snow and ice to prevent accidents.

Check Weather Forecasts:

Be prepared and adaptable to changing weather conditions.

Conclusion

Working in construction during snow or low temperatures in the UK requires careful planning and adherence to safety standards. By understanding the legal framework, fulfilling employer responsibilities, and following general safety advice, construction sites can maintain productivity while ensuring the wellbeing of all personnel. Remember, the key to successful winter construction is preparation, awareness, and ongoing vigilance against the unique challenges posed by cold weather. Stay safe and stay informed!

John Burke Associates
In Business

Managing Success an Employers Guide

Employers Agent

Employer’s Agent

As an employer’s agent John Burke Associates understand the ongoing pressure of trying to keep a good balance. Success is that word we all strive to achieve in business, but success must be maintained. Therefore, the question is, once you have achieved success, how do you manage it?

Whilst we do not claim to have all the answers, the team have put together a short list of pointers. This month’s blog consists of 5 hints and tips to manage success. However, if you need elaborate advice on a matter you can call 01708 770 770 to talk to us directly.

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5 Ways to Manage Success

Project Management Services

Project Management Services

Time Management

Something that every business owner has been guilty of at some time or another is poor time management. Especially in a company’s infancy, it can be tempting to over commit yourself. You want to please everyone, show your commitment and above all achieve success. However, in doing so your actions could be counter-productive to the cause. Over committing either yourself or your employees will have negative results. Listen to your employees, understand their role and the time it takes. Be honest with your clients, don’t put yourself in an uphill battle to complete on a project. Above all never hesitate to enlist help from an employer’s agent when you need it.

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Employee Management

Your employees are the backbone of your business. If you look after your employees, they will look after your business. The most common detriment to success is failing to listen to others. It is nothing short of commendable you have succeeded in business, but could you do this without your employees? Respecting their role in the well-oiled engine that is your company will go a long way. Especially when it comes to making detrimental decisions within the company. In addition to the good practice as an employer, you have legal responsibilities and a duty of care. Being unsure of your obligations can become a costly mistake. Talk to our team at John Burke Associates today on 01708 770 770 for professional advice.

Employee Management
Financial Management

Financial Management

Consistent cash flow and keeping a healthy balance sheet is vital to maintaining success. Although in business some financial risks are unavoidable, such risks should always be calculated. Don’t be afraid to seek advice when it comes to the financial forecast of your project. Your clients would be more impressed by an accurate forecast than a low estimate. As Employers agents and project management company we can alleviate the burden of financial planning and management.

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Your Word

The ultimate key to maintaining success is to treat your word as a binding contract. Never promise your time if you are unable to commit it. Don’t agree to deadlines you do not feel comfortable with. Trust and respect in business are the seeds to grow solid relationships. If you respect your clients time and they trust your word, your success will continue to grow.

Employer’s Agent
Life Management

Life Management

We all tend to forget that we work to live, not the other way around. Taking time for yourself away from the business is just as important. Success means nothing if it leaves you feeling burnt out and run down. Making time for activities such as holidays, sports or family and friends serves as a reminder to why we work. Time to yourself lets you enjoy the fruits of your labour, recharge your energy and motivates your work ethic. Working with an employer’s agent such as John Burke Associates on your project will allow you to achieve a healthier work, life balance.

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John Burke Associates
In Business

National Employee Appreciation Day

Employer’s Agent Services

Image courtesy of Mohamed Hassan/Pixabay

Why is Employee recognition so important?

Project Management & Employers Agent Services

 

March 1st marks National Employee Appreciation Day in America and Canada. As we offer project management & employers agent services this sparked a discussion in our office. The day is a secular holiday which was established in 1995 to encourage organisations to celebrate their employees. In contrast to here in the UK, the holiday is not currently recognised

Employer’s AgentShould We Recognise The Holiday in The UK?

Are UK employees missing out on this holiday? Would introducing the holiday here benefit employers?  While we appreciate the concept we feel that employee recognition should not be defined as an annual occurrence. As a result of undertaking project management & employers agent services, we’ve found a little appreciation goes a long way. Hence, for this months blog, we have put together a short list of the key tips for employee management.

 

The Benefits of Employee Recognition

Value

It seems like while looking at the bigger picture in business, it can be easy to lose focus on the journey. Above all, it is important to remember your business could not run without its employees. It may seem the deadline and client demands need to take priority. However, it is your employees who are going to get you there. Consequently, it is imperative you value the work they are doing for you.

Appreciation 

When feeling the pressure of a deadline, it’s likely you will need your staff to carry out extra duties. Whether it is working late, taking on additional tasks or giving up more of their own time. Therefore, this should never be an expectation. Therefore, if your project requires extra work let your staff know you appreciate their additional efforts. Recognise they have worked hard, be it through 1-2-1 meetings/appraisals or informally.

Respect

You employee your employee’s to do a job, you choose them because they have experience in their field. Therefore, you should respect this fact. If your employee has a suggestion or an idea always make time to listen to them. You should always make time to discuss any reservations your employee may have on a project. Even if you disagree with their reservation you should respect their input and knowledge.

Communication

Communication is key. All of the advice above is useless without communication. You may know you value, appreciate and respect your staff, but if they don’t know what is the point? Communicate with your staff, you should trust everyone you employ and allow them to trust you. Encourage open communication and praise to create a positive working environment.

“If you look after your staff, they’ll look after your customers. It’s that simple.” – Richard Branson

employers agent services

Project Management & Employers Agent Services

If you require more information about our services you can contact the team here at John Burke Associates on 01708 770 770. We provide independent advice on all matters of technical and management functions in the construction industry. From inception through to operation and completion

 

 

 

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