Preparing for the Change in Weather

Posted on August 27, 2026

From Summer sun to Autumn’s unsettled conditions

As we move into September, warmer and drier summer conditions can quickly give way to rain, wind, cooler temperatures and reduced daylight. These changes can introduce additional risks on construction sites, including slips and trips, falls from height, unstable ground, poor visibility and exposure to cold and wet conditions.

The key message is simple: As the weather changes, our safety controls need to change with it.

Review the Risks

Weather conditions should be considered as part of normal site planning and risk assessment. Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers must assess risks and put appropriate arrangements in place to control them.

Employers and supervisors should:

Check weather forecasts and site conditions as part of daily planning.
Review RAMS where changing conditions introduce additional risks.
Brief workers on weather-related hazards.
Establish clear arrangements for stopping or changing work when conditions become unsafe.
Inspect affected areas following significant rainfall or high winds.

Employees should:

Follow site instructions and revised RAMS.
Report changing or unsafe conditions immediately.
Stop and seek advice if a task can no longer be completed safely.

Rain, Mud and Slips & Trips

Rain can create mud, standing water and slippery surfaces, while reduced daylight can make hazards harder to identify.

Practical controls include:

Keep pedestrian routes clear and well maintained.
Remove standing water and control mud where practicable.
Maintain suitable drainage.
Repair or protect uneven surfaces.
Keep stairs, ramps, ladders and platforms clean and safe.
Provide adequate lighting as daylight hours reduce.
Wear suitable safety footwear with appropriate grip.

Work at Height

Wet surfaces and high winds can significantly increase the risk of falls from roofs, scaffolds, ladders and MEWPs. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require work at height to be properly planned and weather conditions to be considered where they could affect safety.

Before starting work, consider:

Is the surface wet or slippery?
Are wind conditions within equipment/manufacturer limits?
Are access routes and platforms safe?
Are tools, materials and temporary coverings securely controlled?

Postpone or stop work where conditions cannot be adequately controlled.

Courtley offer a free to Members ½-day Working at Height course, which can be tailored to your needs – whether you’re looking for a general overview of working at height safely or training focused on the specific equipment and methods your employees use when working at height. Contact us for more details!

Excavations and Ground Conditions

Heavy rain can affect the stability of excavations, slopes and access routes.

Following significant rainfall:

Inspect excavations before re-entry.
Check ground stability and access/egress.
Control water ingress and standing water.
Keep plant and materials safely away from excavation edges.
Reassess temporary works where conditions have changed.
Ensure inspections are carried out by a competent person.

If the ground has changed, the risk assessment may need to change too.

Cold, Wet Weather & PPE

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM) require suitable arrangements for protecting people from adverse weather. Employers should provide appropriate protection and suitable welfare arrangements, while workers should use the PPE provided and report inadequate or damaged equipment.

Check that:

Waterproof and weather-resistant clothing is suitable and in good condition.
Safety footwear remains effective and provides suitable grip.
Gloves are appropriate for both the task and weather.
High-visibility clothing remains clean and visible.
Workers have access to suitable welfare and shelter.
Wet clothing can be changed or dried where necessary.

The PPE at Work Regulations 1992, as amended, also require PPE to be suitable, properly maintained and appropriate to the risks.

Wind, Lighting & Site Security

Strong winds can create hazards from loose materials, sheeting, hoarding, signage and temporary structures.

Before and during periods of high wind:

Secure loose materials and equipment.
Check temporary coverings, fencing and hoarding.
Follow wind-speed limits for cranes, MEWPs and other equipment.
Reinspect affected areas after severe weather.

As daylight reduces, check that site entrances, pedestrian routes, stairs, plant routes, work areas and emergency routes have adequate lighting. The CDM Regulations 2015 contain specific requirements for suitable lighting and protection from adverse weather.

September Site Safety Check

Before work starts, ask:

Have the weather and site conditions been checked?
Have RAMS been reviewed where necessary?
Are pedestrian and vehicle routes safe?
Is there mud, standing water or poor drainage?
Are excavations and ground conditions safe?
Is work at height safe in the current weather?
Are materials and temporary structures secure?
Is lighting adequate?
Is PPE suitable and in good condition?
Are welfare arrangements adequate?
Does everyone know when to stop or change the work?

SEPTEMBER SAFETY MESSAGE: Plan for the weather. Check the conditions. Control the risks.

The move from summer into autumn means conditions can change quickly. Take time each day to consider what has changed, what risks this creates and whether existing controls are still effective.

If the conditions change, our controls may need to change too.