Although, for some, the winter weather and snow can be fun, these weather conditions are also associated with an increase in illness and injury for many vulnerable people.
Approximately 10,000 deaths per year in the UK, are believed to be caused by living in cold conditions. Many more people become unwell, with illness or injury, attributed to cold weather.
Being prepared for cold weather can help to reduce possible risks. But before putting a plan together, we need to identify the possible hazards in order to make an assessment.
Things to consider:
- The possibility of staff not getting to work or being off ill.
- Supplies not being able to get to you. This may be food, equipment, or medication for example.
- Extra support needed for those in their own homes.
- The need for contact information in emergencies, ensuring the consideration of information governance.
- What information staff may need or training. For example, risk assessment.
- Considering local resources in your community that you could draw on in an emergency.
It is also important to ensure that you have liaised, with local emergency response teams, and other relevant support organisations. This may be voluntary groups, or the local authority.
If relevant, identify where to signpost any clients living in their own homes, where specialist information, or support, is needed. For example, for energy efficiency measures, benefits, or related advice.
The information above is a starting point to thinking about the needs of your organisation when cold weather hits.
To support you and your staff, we have produced an adverse cold weather training course. More information about this topic and our other eBox courses can be found on our courses page. Alternatively call us on 01823 332200 if you have any questions relating to your staff training.
