Complacency is biggest threat to on-site safety in winter

By Andrew Pariser

Feb. 6, 2026

We are two solid months into winter, have experienced record snowfall, and may have another two months to go. While all companies focused on becoming winter-ready in the fall of 2025, I’m here to remind you that staying winter-ready doesn’t happen on its own.

Here is your reminder to get on-site, hold a toolbox talk, buy some more salt, and fight complacency.

Complacency 

One of the major hazards that many safety-leading companies face is complacency and, like all other hazards, it requires planning, implementation and a continuous improvement model to address. Two months into the winter (longer the further north you go) are you checking in with your workers, ensuring adequate amounts of salt are available, and monitoring that snow removal plans are being executed before ice buildup occurs? These are just some of the complacency issues we must address to ensure on-site hazards are either eliminated or mitigated before an incident occurs. 

Existing resources

My favourite safety resources include the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA) and Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Develop (MLITSD) webpages.

The IHSA is an excellent resource for practical and implementable tools, including but not limited to. toolbox talks, hazard alerts and other safety resources. 

The IHSA has a toolbox talk here that highlights common winter hazards, including cold stress, frostbite, slips and trips, and carbon monoxide. These hazards are predictable and need to be addressed before the snow falls and temperatures dip. Solutions include safety policies, education and the elimination or mitigation of the on-site hazard. 

For example, all employers and constructors should have policies and procedures related to winter, winter weather and work surfaces. Some questions that need to be answered include: 

• How are you and your workers going to ensure winter heat is provided? 

• Will the heat source create a hazard? (CO for example)

• If a hazard is created, how can it be eliminated or mitigated? 

• How is this policy going to be communicated to the workforce? 

• How will propane training and other winter health and safety training be delivered? 

• How are you checking for qualifications, certificates and tickets? 

• Have toolbox talks been held? 

• Has the importance of a debris-free site and impacts of snow, ice and construction debris been considered? 

The MLITSD website provides additional resources for implementation as well as information on hazards, MLITSD policies, legislation, regulations, and areas of focus. In order to comply, employers must first know what their obligations are. 

Mental health

Winter safety is not just limited to physical health but also includes mental health. Blue Monday occurs on the third Monday in January and is described as the most depressing day of the year due to limited hours of daylight (Seasonal Affective Disorder), potential financial issues related to holiday spending, and a lull in social events after the December rush. This is a further reminder to check in on your people and make sure that your mental health programs are in full swing. 

Where to go from here

The first step is to identify the hazards that impact your site. Once they are identified you can work to eliminate or mitigate those hazards, relying on policy, education, training, implementation, and enforcement. 

If you are a RESCON member, give us a call. In addition to the resources shared above, RESCON has a very active health and safety committee and collection of resources designed to meet members where they are and provide additional resources to meet challenges they face. 

Constructors and employers have extensive obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and RESCON is here to help you understand those requirements and comply. We can also offer practical implementation tips and ensure you are kept up to date with industry-leading best practices as well as updates from the government and our other safety partners.