Cold weather advice for workplaces

Staying safe in extreme cold protects employee health by preventing hypothermia, frostbite, or other cold-related illnesses. It helps employees maintain energy and focus, supports independence, and reduces the risk of complications for people with disabilities or health conditions.

Keeping warm also improves employee wellbeing, mood, and comfort, while reducing the need for emergency support from carers or health services.

Key benefits for employers

• Protects staff health and wellbeing – helps prevent cold-related illness and keeps employees safe during very cold weather
• Promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) – ensures disabled employees receive accessible information and reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010
• Reduces absence and disruption – supports staff to stay well and reduces sickness absence during cold periods
• Improves staff morale and engagement – shows employees that their health and comfort are valued, creating a more positive workplace culture
• Meets health and safety responsibilities – supports compliance with HSE guidance on maintaining safe working conditions in extreme cold
• Demonstrates corporate social responsibility (CSR) – shows leadership on climate adaptation, staff welfare and inclusion
• Enhances organisational reputation – being proactive about staff wellbeing strengthens trust with employees, partners and the wider community

Page last reviewed: 1st December 2025