Freezing temperatures and a build-up of snow and ice can impact construction activities such as concrete pouring, screeding and even interior fit-out and wet trades.
29th January 2026
Cold weather does not only slow down construction project progress, but it can also significantly increase health and safety risks on site.
There is no way to control the increasingly unpredictable climate in the UK and with no current legal maximum or minimum temperature for work outside, best practice for cold weather construction has never been more important.
This article provides practical tips to help keep your projects moving and keep you and your team navigate harsh weather conditions and the risks that it brings.
Risk: Snowy and icy surfaces, roofs and walkways heighten existing trip, slip and falls risks on a construction site. This can range from unmistakable ice on a walkway to less obvious things like slippery ladders or scaffolding from colder weather.
Tip: Inspect the site and clear any areas that the team need to access before work starts. Spread salt ahead of time where possible to reduce the chance of snow settling or ice forming and note any areas that cannot be cleared.
Risk: Exposed working areas such as building shells, high scaffolding or even just working in remote and rural locations can be more vulnerable to strong winds and wind chill.
Tip: Where possible, reduce wind exposure using temporary enclosures, barriers or roofs. The best solution will depend on the scale and type of work taking place.
Risk: As well as the additional health and safety risks on site, exposure to the cold can increase the likelihood of physical illness and disease within a construction team.
Tip: Use electric heaters to provide heated welfare areas for the team to have warm, regular breaks and ensure that any PPE being worn is appropriate for winter weather, making revisions and additions for thermal layers where appropriate. Download the whitepaper to understand the health risks of working in a cold environment >
Risk: There can be legal implications if sites do not have sufficient protection measures in place for working teams.
Tip: Conduct regular training with the team to ensure everyone is aware of cold weather risks and identifying early symptoms of cold stress. Also keep up to date with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 who currently outline minimum requirements.
Risk: Materials exposed to cold conditions, ice and snow may freeze or absorb excess water making them unusable. Even material that seems okay to use may have diminished quality that impacts the project later.
Tip: Store materials in a suitable space or temporary, heated enclosure to maintain the integrity of materials being used.
Risk: Certain works such as concrete curing, adhesive curing and plaster/paint drying require a consistent temperature for the best possible results and to ensure work is completed to a specific standard when new regulations and laws (such as Awaab’s law) are introduced.
Tip: Use a temporary heating solution to ensure optimal conditions are met for works taking place. The best solution will depend on the type or work and temperatures you’re looking to achieve. Speaking with a Technical Consultant can help determine the right solution and avoid work needing to be redone.
Indirect oil-fired heaters can portable or static and deliver powerful, consistent heat to maintain optimal working and drying conditions. They’re suitable for drying out materials, warming large spaces, protecting the health of workers or ensuring equipment operates effectively in cold weather.
Some of these units work with limited 110v site power and all are compatible with our effective drying triangle methodology, designed to help you achieve a safe drying programme with no project delays.
See our Indirect Oil-Fired Heaters available to hire >
Electric heaters are often portable, easy to set up, and perfect for environments where there is easy access to power. Ideal for warming up a small work area, welfare room or maintaining comfortable conditions for workers.
See our Electric Heaters available to hire >
Refrigerant and desiccant dehumidifiers support effective moisture control.
Refrigerant dehumidifiers are ideal for general drying and building-drying programmes, while desiccant dehumidifiers are designed to operate even in cold or unheated environments, delivering very low relative humidity without heating the space.
See our Dehumidifiers available to hire >
From small and portable to high-performance, they provide consistent heat and hot water, ideal for maintaining both hygiene and health of workers on a construction project.
See our Boilers available to hire >
It’s easy to say that the best way to tackle cold working conditions is by ensuring the project is planned proactively, but a change in weather may not always give sufficient warning and sometimes you’re forced to react to the cards you’ve been dealt.
Cold weather does not just pose a risk to a project in the form of lengthy delays, costly rework and increased legal red tape, it puts a real mental and physical strain on the teams carrying out the work. RVT Group are on hand to help keep you compliant, on-track and, most importantly, healthy.
Whether you’re looking to create full contingency plans for an upcoming project, need a heating solution urgently or are just looking for support in calculating your heating requirements, RVT Group have a team ready to help and just a short form away >
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