Climatic conditions, particularly cold weather, can impact the working conditions of certain employees. A guide has just been published by the public authorities on the precautions to take for winter 2023-2024.
The risk linked to working in the cold must be assessed
If no provision defines a minimum temperature to be respected in the working environment, the fact remains that, according to the INRS (National Institute for Research and Safety), an ambient temperature below 5°C causes a significant risk to the health of employees (discomfort, hypothermia, etc.).
Outdoor employees are therefore affected by the cold risk. The implementation of protective measures is essential in current temperatures.
Remember that the employer must take the necessary measures to ensure the safety of employees and protect their physical or mental health (Labor Code, art. L. 4121-1 et seq.). This involves, in particular, the transcription of cold-related risks in the single risk assessment document (DU) and the creation of an action plan providing for the implementation of corrective measures.
Precautionary measures to take
There is a national prevention guide which reminds us that the employer must take both collective and individual measures. This guide has been updated for this winter.
The protective measures to be taken are listed in several categories:
1st category: arrangement of workstations
A few technical improvements can help reduce the risk of illness or accident.
These are for example:
- to provide employees with means of drying or storing spare clothes (a construction site bungalow or a rest room with a warming cupboard, for example);
- to provide them with hot drinks;
- to heat shelters on construction sites;
- or to implement manual handling aids, in order to reduce the physical workload and perspiration of employees.
Concerning shelters and bungalows, although they are very important to combat the cold, their use can pose difficulties with the health crisis; it is therefore essential to remember barrier gestures and to ensure that the bungalow is properly disinfected.
2nd category: reorganization of work
In the face of a drop in temperatures, it is necessary to rethink the organization of work.
Therefore, the employer must ensure:
- limit the time of exposure to the cold and organize breaks and additional recovery time for exposed employees;
- modify work rhythms depending on the current temperature and weather conditions (ice, rain, etc.);
- prevent employees from working in isolation.
3rd category: the supply of clothing and protective equipment adapted against the cold
Regarding the protective clothing and equipment that the employer provides to employees, the clothing must provide good protection against the cold without compromising the requirements linked to the missions to be carried out (particularly in terms of mobility and dexterity).
Also, clothing must be compatible with personal protective equipment (working at height, respiratory protection, etc.).
For example, employees must be provided with waterproof clothing, non-slip shoes, etc.
4th category: fight against carbon monoxide
A new category exists when devices generating carbon monoxide are used in professional premises (heat engine devices: grinders, drills, generators, etc.). Care must be taken to follow the recommendations of the public authorities, especially if workers carry out an activity in closed work premises (example: building under construction whose openings may have been deliberately closed due to low external temperatures).
This includes systematically involving a qualified professional to check the connected combustion appliances before winter.
To help employees brave the cold, Editions Tissot offers a quarter-hour safety kit on the theme “I work in winter conditions”.
Ministerial Instruction No. DGSVSS2/DGOS/DGCS/DGT/DGSCGC/DIHAL/2023/157 of November 29, 2023 relating to the prevention and management of health and social impacts linked to cold waves 2023-2024
2023-12-13 07:55:07
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