Werner warns workers to take extra care when working at height during adverse winter weather conditions
Jan 21, 2026
With January heralding the start of 2026, the UK experienced a sustained cold snap and with it came the heightened dangers that snow and ice bring to those working at height.
Dave Elson, Compliance Manager at leading ladders and access solutions specialist Werner, commented: “For trade professionals, bad weather can play havoc with work schedules and, for the self-employed, no work means no money. Whilst it might be tempting to take what may seem a calculated risk, it really isn’t worth it. A fall could result in a broken limb or, worse still, lead to a more serious injury or even death.
“All trade professionals, when working at height, need to factor in the additional danger when the weather takes a turn for the worse. Werner’s 'Safety before you use a ladder' information guide warns trade professionals not to place a ladder on slippery surfaces or place loose materials underneath a ladder. Clearly, placing a ladder on icy ground will substantially increase the risk of injury and the work should be deferred until conditions are safe.
“It is incumbent on Health & Safety managers, or those designated with such responsibility, to make company policy clear on health and safety at work; and to provide regular training and refresher courses to ensure safety precautions are always ‘front-of-mind.’
“If alternative jobs can be undertaken indoors with your skill set, then prioritise those. By doing so, this will help prevent a job from falling behind schedule and protect your body from harm.
“Always use ladders and access equipment that are fit-for-purpose for a particular job, and the choice of footwear becomes even more important in snow or ice, where high-grip boot tread is essential.”
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and industry indicates that slips, trips, and falls are more frequent in autumn and winter due to environmental factors. The body reports that there were 680,000 non-fatal injuries in Great Britain according to self-reports from the Labour Force Survey in 2024/25, with 8% resulting from falls in height. https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/causinj/overview.htm
Werner offers a range of training options, including the Ladder Association’s Ladders & Stepladders Users Course. Through its Stepping Up to Ladder Safety campaign, professionals can also access downloadable guides on ladder selection, inspection, and safe use.
To view Werner’s Ladder Safety Guides, please visit: Ladder Safety
Media contact:
HROC PR Ltd.
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