Addressing the gathering in the Winter Gardens at Blackpool, Dave McCrossen – Usdaw Deputy General Secretary said: “Our members' safety at work is an absolute priority and our approach to keeping members safe must be tailored to the work that they are doing. So for people working outdoors, in cold, wet or snowy conditions, we need to look at the particular risks they face.
 
“Getting cold and wet doesn't just make you feel miserable. It can affect your rational thinking and productivity. This can increase the chance of accidents happening. For people handling machinery or working around vehicles, a loss of concentration can be very dangerous.
 
“Slips, trips or falls account for 30% of workplace injuries. Slippery conditions, like rain or ice, can make those injuries more likely and sometimes working in poor weather conditions can lead to physical illness too. If the risks are not properly managed, outdoor working can result in cold stress, chilblains, even hypothermia.
 
“Of course, extreme weather isn’t just about cold or wet conditions. Working in very high temperatures causes risks too. It can cause heat exhaustion, dehydration, heat stroke, skin damage and even skin cancer. More frequent rest breaks, in shaded or indoor areas, can help to reduce those risks. 
 
“We would expect employers to carry out risk assessments for outside workers. They are legally required to identify risks. They must take action to eliminate those risks, or to control them. Providing outdoor clothing such as waterproofs can help and we always expect employers to provide the right PPE, but on its own that isn't enough.
 
“People working outside need time indoors, to dry out and to warm up in winter, or to cool down in summer. They need to be able to get a drink and to rest.  This is recommended by the Health and Safety Executive, as a simple action employers can take and it is something we will be raising with employers. Every worker must be kept safe.”

Notes for editors:

Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest trade union with over 350,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemical industry and other trades www.usdaw.org.uk

For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter @UsdawUnion