Let’s talk about autumn. As the nights draw in and temperatures begin to fall, it’s easy to spend less time outside and maintenance tasks may move lower down on the priority list.
However, autumn is one of the most important times of year for roof maintenance. Falling leaves, increased rainfall and the approach of winter can quickly turn minor issues into costly problems if they’re left unchecked.
So, the message in this blog? Autumn is an ideal time to assess the effectiveness, condition and compliance of height safety systems. A proactive review now can help you address issues before winter places additional demands on buildings, equipment and your team.
Prepare for winter weather
Winter weather often brings temperature fluctuations, water ingress and freeze-thaw damage, all of which can affect a building’s structure. These conditions can also cause material movement, corrosion and increased stress on height safety systems and their fixings.
Autumn provides an opportunity to ensure roof access systems, guardrails, ladders, walkways and anchor points are ready to cope with harsher winter conditions. Rain, frost, ice and high winds can increase the risk of slips, trips and falls, making reliable height safety measures an essential part of your safety strategy.
Identify wear and tear
After a year of exposure to the elements, height safety equipment may have deteriorated due to:
- corrosion
- UV damage
- storm-related damage
- general wear and tear
A thorough inspection in autumn can identify potential issues before they result in the failure of a system.
Support seasonal maintenance programmes
Many building maintenance tasks are required during autumn, including:
- gutter clearance
- roof inspections
- drainage checks
- solar panel maintenance
- air conditioning and ventilation servicing
Inspecting and servicing height safety systems beforehand helps ensure contractors and maintenance teams can access work areas safely and efficiently.
Maintain compliance
Employers have a legal duty to ensure work at height is properly planned and that safety equipment is maintained and inspected.
Autumn is a practical point in the year to review inspection records, verify certification and schedule any required remedial work before winter workloads increase.
Regular inspection and maintenance of height safety systems in accordance with BS 7883:2019 can help ensure they remain safe, compliant and ready for use when needed.
Height Safety Technical Manager, Tim Lee, explains how to spot real competence and what good documentation looks like in our Grounded in Safety podcast episode, ‘Anchored in safety | Navigating BS 7883 for height protection’.
Plan improvements ahead of budget cycles
Many organisations begin planning for the following financial year during the autumn months. Identifying upgrades or replacement requirements early allows estates and facilities teams to budget effectively and avoid potentially higher emergency, unplanned costs later.
Protect people and property
A fall from height remains one of the most serious workplace hazards. Regular reviews help ensure systems continue to perform as intended, reducing the risk of accidents, operational disruption and costly repairs.
In our Grounded in Safety podcast episode, ‘Changing the culture around work at height’, guest Kelly Nicoll from the No Falls Foundation, talks about the devastating effect of workplace falls and the lessons that change us and our behaviours.
To sum up...
Winter readiness starts at roof level. Ensuring walkways, guardrails, ladders and access systems are fit for purpose helps create a safer environment for contractors carrying out winter readiness works.
Protect the people accessing your buildings and the assets they maintain to avoid safety risks, operational disruption and costly repairs. Get in touch with our specialist team to book a proactive review of your height safety systems.
