Winter safety checklist: improving visibility on UK construction sites.

Shorter days, low sun, rain and fog all make winter one of the most challenging seasons for construction sites. Reduced visibility increases the risk of accidents, slows work and puts extra pressure on teams already dealing with harsh conditions.

This winter safety checklist highlights practical, commonly used measures contractors can put in place to improve visibility, safety and productivity when daylight is limited.

✅ 1. Review and upgrade site lighting

As daylight hours shrink, temporary lighting becomes essential rather than optional.

Checklist:

• Ensure all key work areas, access routes and storage zones are adequately lit

• Use adjustable lighting to reduce shadows and glare

• Choose weather-resistant lighting suitable for rain, frost and wind

• Consider combining fixed lighting with portable or handheld options

Cordless lighting can help reduce trip hazards caused by trailing cables — a risk that becomes more pronounced in poor light.

✅ 2. Position lighting with tasks in mind

Winter lighting should support how people actually work on site, not just illuminate the space.

Checklist:

• Direct lighting towards active work areas, not just walkways

• Reassess lighting layouts as projects progress

• Check visibility during early mornings and late afternoons, not just midday

A quick lighting walkaround at different times of day can reveal blind spots that aren’t obvious under normal daylight conditions.

✅ 3. Upgrade Hi-VIS PPE for winter conditions

Hi-vis PPE is standard on construction sites, but winter often requires additional layers that don’t compromise visibility.

Checklist:

• Provide insulated hi-vis jackets or coats

• Use waterproof hi-vis outer layers

• Ensure gloves, trousers and headwear remain high visibility

• Check that added layers don’t obscure reflective strips

Layering hi-vis PPE helps workers stay warm while remaining clearly visible to colleagues and plant operators.

✅ 4. Reduce time spent searching for tools in low light

Poor visibility doesn’t just affect safety — it can also impact productivity when tools or equipment are hard to locate.

Checklist:

• Clearly define storage areas and keep them well lit

• Use consistent layouts across sites where possible

• Consider digital asset tracking systems to locate tools quickly

Knowing where equipment is — without having to search physically in low light — can save valuable time during shorter winter working days.

✅ 5. Revisit winter safety planning regularly

Conditions change quickly during winter, so visibility planning shouldn’t be a one-off task.

Checklist:

• Review lighting after clock changes or weather shifts

• Replace damaged or underperforming lights promptly

• Encourage workers to report visibility issues early

Small adjustments can prevent larger problems as winter progresses.

Further guidance and resources

Many contractors review their winter site setup annually to stay aligned with best practice and evolving site conditions. Further information on construction site lighting, PPE and digital site management tools can be found on the Hilti UK website:
👉 https://www.hilti.co.uk