☀️🌧️ Physical Health and Wellbeing: Staying Safe Whatever the Weather

National Scaffolding Week 2025 – Day 2

Working in scaffolding means working outdoors in all kinds of conditions. From blazing sunshine to bitter cold, driving rain and high winds.

It’s part of the job, but it also means that looking after your physical health and wellbeing is vital all year round.

Today, as part of National Scaffolding Week 2025, we’re focusing on how scaffolders can stay safe, strong and healthy whatever the weather brings.

Sun Safety and UV Awareness

Even in the UK, sun exposure poses serious risks for anyone working outdoors. Research shows that construction workers make up around 8% of the UK workforce but account for 44% of occupational skin cancer cases.

To help raise awareness, the Scaffolding Association has partnered with UV-U-See, a powerful initiative designed to make the invisible visible. Using innovative high-visibility PPE and sun-safety products, UV-U-See encourages workers to recognise the dangers of UV exposure and take simple, effective steps to protect themselves.

Simple steps for working safely in the sun:

Wear UV-protective clothing and high-coverage PPE

Apply SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen before and during shifts

Use a wide-brimmed hat and UV-rated sunglasses

Take breaks in shaded areas where possible

Stay hydrated throughout the day

Sun protection isn’t just for summer. Harmful UV rays can penetrate clouds and reflect off metal, glass and concrete, meaning risk remains high even on overcast days. Making sun safety a normal part of daily site practice helps protect workers now and in the long term.

Working Safely in Adverse Conditions

Scaffolding doesn’t stop for bad weather, but safety should always come first. Cold, wet or windy conditions can make even routine tasks more dangerous by affecting visibility, balance, and grip.

Practical steps for staying safe in challenging conditions:

Check the weather forecast before starting work and plan ahead for potential hazards

Inspect scaffolds regularly, as rain, frost or wind can impact stability and fittings

Wear the right PPE for the weather, including waterproof layers, gloves and non-slip boots

Take regular breaks to warm up, dry off or rehydrate as needed

Stop work in unsafe conditions, particularly during high winds or storms

Adverse weather can also affect concentration and fatigue levels. Managers and supervisors play a key role in ensuring teams know when to pause, reassess or stand down. No deadline is worth risking injury or worse.

Looking After Each Other

Physical wellbeing on site isn’t just about rules and procedures, it’s about awareness and teamwork. Whether it’s checking that your colleague has applied sunscreen, reminding someone to take a break, or raising concerns about wind speeds, small actions make a big difference.

National Scaffolding Week 2025 is a reminder that health and safety go hand in hand with skill and pride. Scaffolders are some of the most resilient and hardworking people in construction, but that strength includes knowing when to slow down, speak up and stay safe.

💪 Look after yourself. Look after your team. Work safe, whatever the weather.