Winter Risk Management Guidance

Buildings and systems can be put under significant strain during harsh winter weather. Snow and ice can accumulate on roofs and roof-mounted equipment, including solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, which may suffer damage or develop faults as a result. This can potentially lead to overheating, short circuits and, in some cases, fire. Whilst more commonly associated with autumn, storms and high winds also present a significant risk during the winter months and could cause damage to property. In addition, poor ground conditions could create challenges when accessing sites and carrying out repairs.

Winter weather could increase flood risk through prolonged rainfall, saturated ground, overwhelmed drainage systems, and blocked drains caused by leaves, debris, ice, or sediment. Snowmelt and frozen ground can also lead to rapid runoff and localised flooding. Regular inspections and early preparation of flood prevention measures can help reduce the likelihood and impact of flood damage.

While every operation is different, several themes regularly emerge during the final quarter of the year as organisations prepare for increased demand, tighter delivery schedules, reduced daylight hours, warehouse capacity constraints, temporary staffing arrangements, and extended holiday closures. These operating conditions could create opportunities for theft, fraud, disruption, and other supply chain losses if appropriate controls are not maintained. Taking simple precautions, verifying collections, maintaining effective security controls, selecting appropriate vehicles, and carefully planning journeys can go a long way towards helping to protect your people, vehicles, goods, and wider supply chain throughout the festive season. 

Given the shorter daylight hours in winter, it’s worth thinking about your business security, particularly if your premises are closed during the early evening. Many businesses may also hold increased stock during the pre-Christmas period and items such as electronic goods and gifts may be more vulnerable to theft. Poor weather conditions can reduce visibility and make it harder for passers-by to notice suspicious activity. Bad weather may also mean that there are fewer people outside, particularly in commercial areas outside normal working hours and this reduced activity around premises means there are fewer people to help deter any criminals or witness a crime.

Taking the right precautions before and throughout the winter months is essential to help reduce the risk of frost damage to your sprinkler system, and damage to your premises.  Damage to pipework from freezing can result in flooding of the premises, ice plugs preventing the flow of water, costly repairs and long-term impairments to your sprinkler system. Our Loss Prevention Standard provides guidance to help protect your sprinkler system during winter.

Businesses continue to face pressures from inflation and global supply-chain disruption. Understanding the resilience of your suppliers and their potential exposures is important not only for your own business continuity but also from a reputational stand point. Spotting breakdowns in your supply chain network early on can help to ensure products and services are provided as expected.

Water leaks can cause significant damage and disruption to businesses, particularly during freezing weather, when water in pipes can freeze and expand, increasing the risk of pipes bursting. You can help to reduce the risk by insulating pipes and tanks, protecting outdoor pipework, maintaining low-level heating, and repairing dripping taps. Ensure stopcocks are accessible and operational, and inspect plumbing regularly to identify wear. Unoccupied properties should be checked frequently. Leak detection systems with automatic shut-off valves can help minimise damage, downtime, and associated costs.