Winter preparation isn't only about making sure your workforce has the right clothing.
Shorter days, freezing temperatures, and wetter conditions can also affect your facilities, external areas, and workplace vehicles.
Planning ahead means checking the everyday winter essentials your site could rely on before the conditions change.
Don't wait for the first icy morning.
SMI's historic ordering data shows demand for many winter site supplies starts rising during September and October.
Products including rock salt and head torches reach their highest demand between October and December. Different categories then continue to peak as winter progresses.
Reviewing your requirements during autumn gives you time to understand what your sites and vehicles need before winter sets in.
External areas deserve particular attention when preparing for colder conditions.
Rock salt and de-icing salt can be used on relevant entrances, paths, yards, and loading areas as part of your winter preparations.
In the past, orders of Brown Rock Salt increased around 345% from September to October and another 215% into November, before peaking in December.
Rather than waiting for freezing conditions, review the external areas you're responsible for and estimate requirements across your sites ahead of winter.
Winter also means fewer daylight hours.
For teams working early starts or late finishes, or working in poorly lit areas, suitable lighting may become increasingly important.
That could include employees carrying out:
There’s no better time to stock up than now.
SMI orders for LED head torches historically increased approximately 54% from August to September, followed by another 43% into October. October was the peak ordering month.
Consider the tasks being carried out and whether teams have appropriate lighting available for their working environment.
Your winter review should include company cars, vans, forklifts, and other relevant site vehicles.
Screenwash concentrate is one product where SMI sees demand rise as winter approaches. Historic orders increased approximately 86% from September to October and another 107% into November, with the highest typical demand occurring in January.
This is also where de-icer belongs on your checklist. Orders of our De-Icer Aerosol Spray historically rose around 108% from September to October and a further 111% into November, its peak ordering month.
Review requirements across your vehicle fleet rather than focusing only on employees' personal vehicles.
Spill-control products aren't exclusively winter supplies, but they're still worth including in a seasonal site review.
Wet weather and freezing temperatures can make spills more hazardous and harder to clean up.
SMI orders for EVO Recycled LW30 Absorbent Granules rose about 175% from August to September and another 30% into October, the peak month.
Meanwhile, historic demand for SMI's 30 Litre General Purpose Spill Kit also rose through autumn before peaking in November.
Now is a good time to check that your spill-control supplies are complete, accessible, and positioned appropriately for your operation.
Before winter arrives, review your:
TOP TIP: Don't simply order a standard quantity of each. Consider existing stock, the number of sites, external areas, workplace vehicles, and historic usage.
It's easy for winter preparation to become synonymous with winter workwear.
But clothing is only part of the picture.
The ordering patterns above show different workplace requirements changing throughout autumn and winter. Facilities, vehicles, and external areas should form part of the same preparation.
At SMI, we can supply winter site products alongside wider workplace supplies, helping you bring more requirements together through one supplier.
Reviewing those needs during autumn gives you a clearer picture of what your operation requires as conditions change.
Ready to get your site winter-ready?
SMI's historic data shows Brown Rock Salt demand rising sharply from September and peaking in December. Consider your own requirements before colder conditions arrive.
Requirements vary, but common winter site supplies include rock salt, de-icer, screenwash, head torches, and appropriate spill-control products.
Review external areas, lighting, workplace vehicles, spill preparedness, and existing stocks of essential winter products.
Written by Tom Blake
Tom Blake is Head of Marketing at SMI Group, responsible for shaping the company's brand, marketing strategy, and customer communications. He enjoys sharing industry insights and helping businesses discover practical solutions to workplace challenges.
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