Have you stepped outside recently and felt that unmistakable winter bite in the air?
Here in West Yorkshire, where HLS is based, icy conditions have officially arrived, and with a yellow weather warning for snow forecasted this week, winter safety is no longer a “nice to have.” It is a must.
For anyone working at height, especially using MEWPs (Mobile Elevating Work Platforms), winter transforms everyday tasks into higher-risk operations. Ice, snow, freezing temperatures, and high winds can all conspire to turn a routine job into a dangerous one.
Why Winter Conditions Increase MEWP Risk
Winter weather creates a perfect storm of hazards. Slippery surfaces caused by frost and ice increase the risk of falls, while reduced daylight hours and fog limit visibility. Cold temperatures do noy just affect machines, they affect people too.
Operators working in freezing conditions can experience:
- Slower reaction times
- Reduced dexterity
- Increased fatigue
- Poor decision-making under cold stress
Add high winds into the mix and platform stability becomes a serious concern. According to guidance from the Health and Safety Executive, outdoor winter work requires additional planning and control measures to remain safe and compliant.
Ask yourself: would you drive a vehicle at full speed on an icy road? If not, why rush a MEWP job in winter conditions?
Pre-Use Checks: Non-Negotiable in Winter
Let us be clear, pre-use checks are mandatory every single time you operate a MEWP, regardless of season. But in winter, they become even more critical.
Cold weather impacts machinery in several ways:
- Lower temperatures increase battery resistance, reducing how effectively it can be charged.
- Hydraulic fluids thicken
- Ice forms on guardrails, decks, and controls
Pay extra attention to:
- Batteries: Recharge batteries immediately after the shift, while they are still "warm" from use.
- Hydraulics: Check for leaks and sluggish response
- Guardrails & Platforms: Remove all ice and snow to prevent slips and falls
- Tyres & Stabilisers: Ensure firm ground contact and correct pressure
A few extra minutes checking your machine can prevent hours of downtime, or worse, a serious accident.
👉 Download the HLS MEWP Pre-Use Inspection Checklist and make winter checks routine, not rushed.
Assessing the Worksite: Monitor Conditions Continuously
A winter-safe MEWP on an unsafe surface is still a risk.
Frozen, uneven, or waterlogged ground can compromise stability and increase the chance of tipping. Access routes should be cleared, gritted, and rechecked throughout the day.
Weather conditions change quickly in winter. Morning frost can turn into afternoon snowfall. Site risk assessment should never be a one-time task. Continuous monitoring is key.
👉 Download and complete the HLS Risk Assessment Form to plan safer work at height this winter.
Operator Safety: The Human Factor 👷
Even the best-prepared machine is not safe if the operator is not.
Operators should be equipped with:
- Layered, thermal clothing to maintain warmth
- Thermal gloves designed to retain dexterity and tactile control
- Non-slip safety boots
- High-visibility clothing to improve visibility in low-light environments
Schedule regular warm-up breaks. A cold operator is more likely to rush, lose focus, or make mistakes.
Simple truth: comfort equals safety.
Safe Operating Practices in Ice and Snow
When operating MEWPs in winter, slow and steady really does win the race.
Best practices include:
- Reduce travel speed
- Avoid sudden movements or sharp turns
- Keep platforms clear of snow and ice throughout the job
- Stop work immediately if visibility drops or wind speeds exceed limits
No deadline, no matter how tight, is worth risking a life.
Reducing Frost Build-Up and Downtime
Want to avoid that dreaded “machine won’t start” moment on a freezing morning?
Follow these simple but often overlooked steps:
- Emergency stop buttons: Leave both platform and ground controls in the out position. Depressed buttons can freeze overnight and prevent operation.
- Key switches: Always turn to the off/zero position and remove the key at the end of the shift.
- Battery isolators: Use them on electric and hybrid MEWPs to prevent unnecessary battery drain overnight.
These small habits can make a big difference when temperatures drop below zero.
Emergency Preparedness & Training
Winter increases the likelihood of unexpected problems, from sudden snow storms to frozen controls. Every site should have a clear rescue plan, reliable communication, and operators trained in emergency procedures.
Seasonal refresher training builds confidence, not just compliance. Confident operators make better decisions under pressure.
👉 Book IPAF training with HLS to keep your team safe, compliant, and prepared.
Final Word: Winter Safety Is a Mindset
Working at height in winter demands more planning, more checks, and more care, but the payoff is fewer incidents, less downtime, and safer teams.
With icy and snowy conditions are already here so, now is the time to act. Winter-proof your MEWPs, support your operators, and remember:
Safety always comes before productivity.
Do not let winter catch you out.
Get in touch with HLS today to book MEWP inspections, IPAF training, or expert guidance, before ice and snow stop work altogether.
📞0113 524 1018 | ✉️Hello@hls.co
