Winter’s here – and so are the increased risks at work

Winter in Aotearoa brings colder mornings, wetter days, and darker evenings—and along with that, a rise in workplace health and safety risks. While we often focus on outdoor or high-risk environments, the truth is, even corporate offices and low-risk workplaces aren’t immune to winter incidents.

Slippery entryways, faulty heating, and reduced visibility are just a few of the seasonal hazards that can lead to unexpected injuries—and big disruptions for businesses.

Don’t be fooled by ‘low-risk’

It’s easy to assume that health and safety risks don’t apply to office-based jobs or indoor workspaces. But several incidents across New Zealand highlight how things can quickly go wrong—even in places with little or no manual labour.

A recent incident was reported, where a Christchurch call centre was forced to temporarily close when multiple staff reported feeling unwell due to an unserviced heating system. One staff member showed signs of hypothermia after working in consistently cold indoor temperatures.

Common winter hazards in low-risk workplaces

Even if your business operates in an office or retail space, you’re not exempt from seasonal risks:

1. Slips, trips, and falls
Wet and icy conditions increase the chances of falls—especially at entrances or around shared areas. WorkSafe highlights these incidents as common even in administrative workplaces.

2. Thermal comfort issues
Cold offices aren’t just unpleasant—they affect concentration, productivity, and overall wellbeing. WorkSafe’s thermal comfort guidance stresses the importance of consistent, comfortable indoor temperatures.

3. Reduced visibility
Shorter daylight hours and gloomy afternoons can make poorly lit spaces risky. Corridors, stairwells, and car parks should be checked regularly for adequate lighting.

4. Mental health concerns
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and general winter blues can lead to lower energy, reduced engagement, and increased absenteeism. Employers should be proactive in supporting staff wellbeing during the colder months.

What employers can do to stay ahead

Let’s not wait for an incident to happen. Here’s how you can keep your team safer this winter:

1. Revisit your winter risk assessment

Look beyond the obvious. Reception areas, break rooms, and walkways all deserve a fresh look during winter.

2. Get the basics right

Use secure entry mats, pop up wet floor signs, and ensure lighting is bright and well-distributed throughout the workplace.

3. Keep things warm and dry

Get your heating systems serviced early and check for drafts, cold spots, and broken vents or seals.

4. Talk to your team

Encourage reporting of small issues—slippery spots, broken heaters, or dodgy lights—before they turn into serious problems.

5. Don’t ignore mental health

Dark mornings and long workdays can affect morale. Check in with your team regularly, offer flexibility, and consider bringing in more light—natural or artificial.

Whether you’re running a busy warehouse, a retail store, or a corporate office, winter safety is everyone’s responsibility. Don’t let the idea of being a “low-risk” workplace stop you from taking action. Because the only thing worse than a winter chill… is a preventable injury.