Window cleaners work outdoors in all seasons, which means weather conditions can quickly become a serious safety risk.
Rain, wind, ice, extreme heat, and poor visibility can all significantly increase the chance of slips, falls, equipment instability, and injury — particularly when working at height.
To support members in maintaining safe working practices, the Window Cleaners Association (WCA) has created a new Toolbox Talk template: Working in Adverse Weather.
This downloadable document is designed to help businesses brief their teams on the risks associated with working outdoors and how to manage them safely.
What This Toolbox Talk Covers
The Adverse Weather Toolbox Talk includes practical safety guidance specifically relevant to window cleaners.
Topics covered include:
- Risks associated with high winds, rain, snow, ice and extreme heat
- When it may be necessary to stop work due to unsafe conditions
- Safe working practices for outdoor cleaning work
- The importance of checking weather forecasts before starting work
- Additional risks when using ladders or working at height
- How to reduce risk using safer working methods such as water-fed pole systems
The document also includes a staff briefing record sheet, allowing businesses to keep a record of safety briefings and demonstrate that workers have received relevant information and instruction.
Why This Matters
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) identifies falls from height as one of the leading causes of serious workplace injuries in the UK.
Weather conditions can significantly increase these risks.
For example:
- Strong winds can destabilise ladders and long poles
- Rain can make surfaces slippery and reduce grip
- Ice and frost can make ladders and walking surfaces unsafe
- Extreme heat can lead to dehydration, fatigue, and reduced concentration
Proper planning and awareness can help prevent accidents before they happen.
A Practical Resource for WCA Members
This toolbox talk has been created as a customisable template for WCA members.
Businesses can easily add their own:
- Company name
- Company address
- Company logo
before delivering the briefing to their team.
The goal is to provide a simple, professional safety resource that members can use as part of their regular toolbox talks.
Download the Toolbox Talk
You can download the Adverse Weather Toolbox Talk template below:
📄 Download the PDF
WCA Toolbox Talk – Adverse Weather
Important Disclaimer
This document is provided by the Window Cleaners Association (WCA) as a general guidance template for members.
It is intended to support safety awareness but does not replace a formal risk assessment, training, or professional health and safety advice.
Employers remain responsible for ensuring their work activities comply with current UK health and safety legislation and HSE guidance, and that all risks specific to their working environment are properly assessed and controlled.
The WCA accepts no liability for injury, loss, damage, or regulatory enforcement arising from the use or misuse of this template.
Relevant HSE Guidance
Members are encouraged to review the following official guidance from the Health and Safety Executive:
Working at height
https://www.hse.gov.uk/work-at-height/
Managing risks and risk assessment
https://www.hse.gov.uk/simple-health-safety/risk/
Temperature and working outdoors
https://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/