As winter gets underway, the cold weather has already made its mark on the UK with snow flurries, storms, freezing temperatures and plenty of rain. With the wintry weather, unfortunately, comes a whole host of seasonal illnesses.
Flu, colds and other respiratory illnesses are rampant at this time of year, especially in offices and on public transport. Whilst there are some things you can do to protect yourself like getting the flu jab, some activities are unavoidable such as commuting.
Risk of commuting accidents
Travelling on the roads in the winter can be treacherous because of the changing weather. Snow, ice, surface water and slush can all be dangerous for drivers. The low lighting and potential for fog and mist in the early mornings can also lead to more accidents as visibility is decreased. This means hazards such as pedestrians, fallen trees and other risks are harder to spot in the distance.
It isn’t just the roads that can be dangerous; pavements can be too. If they are left un-gritted you may be at a risk of falling or slipping on your morning commute. Try to stick to main roads as they are more likely to be gritted. Alternatively, if the weather is terrible you could consider working from home if your workplace allows.
Exposure to illnesses
As winter is the prime time to catch the flu, offices are unfortunately breeding grounds for germs and common viruses such as influenza and the common cold. If you do feel unwell, see if you can work from home. Steering clear of the office means you minimise the number of your colleagues you come into contact with and can prevent spreading it around. You can also be sure that you won’t catch anything from your other coworkers who are feeling unwell too!
Immune system management
Your immune system is responsible for keeping you fighting fit. Changing from the cold outdoors to the warmth of indoors can be stressful on your immune system, weakening it and making it harder to keep illness at bay.
It is worth noting that office heating or ventilation systems may circulate dust and other allergens, making any symptoms worse. Although it is cold, try to have windows open to let fresh air in and improve the air quality in your area.
Comfort and safety
It can be hard to avoid wet floors from snow and ice being tracked indoors, but your workplace has a responsibility to keep you safe. This includes having wet floor signs and someone to try and keep on top of it. If you slip as a result of unmonitored wet floors, speak to personal injury solicitors to see if you may be entitled to compensation.
Most offices do not allow electrical items which haven’t been PAC tested, but there are ways to keep warm if you are feeling the chill. You could keep a hot water bottle at your desk for discreet warmth and remember to add layers to your work outfit to keep the warm air trapped by your body.
Stewart Thurlow
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