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Winter has a habit of sneaking up on us. One minute you’re dealing with a bit of drizzle, and the next you’re stepping onto a worksite that feels more like an ice rink. For anyone working outdoors, those frosty mornings and freezing winds can turn a normal day into a challenge, and that’s not to mention the delays, safety risks, and general frustration they bring with them.
At Smiths Hire, we know the cold can throw a spanner in the works. That’s why we’ve pulled together the key pieces of tool hire equipment that help keep your site running smoothly, safely, and on schedule, even when the temperature says otherwise.
Lighting that keeps you out of the dark
If there’s one thing winter does reliably, it’s reduce the quality of natural light. The early sunsets are an obvious challenge, but even during the day, visibility can drop sharply. Low sun angles, heavy cloud cover and persistent overcast conditions create a flat, muted light that makes it difficult to judge ground levels or spot potential hazards. Add fog or mist into the mix, and clarity reduces even further, affecting both depth perception and overall situational awareness. That’s when having dependable lighting becomes essential rather than optional.
Our lighting towers and portable LED units are designed to support you in exactly these conditions. Whether you’re managing a large, open site or areas where shadows tend to linger, we provide solutions that deliver consistent, reliable illumination. Towers equipped with automatic sensors activate as soon as natural light dips, while portable LEDs make it easy to cover smaller or more awkward locations.
Heating solutions that support a workable environment
Cold weather affects both people and materials. Tasks that rely on stable temperatures can be disrupted, and it’s harder for your team to stay focused and comfortable in freezing conditions. Maintaining an appropriate working temperature helps you avoid delays and keep performance levels up during the colder months.
At Smiths Hire, we offer a range of heating equipment for hire to suit different areas of your site. Infrared heaters work well in enclosed spaces, indirect diesel heaters provide reliable warmth for larger open areas, and portable fan heaters are useful for managing colder spots as they appear. A consistent level of heat supports better working conditions, helps materials behave as expected and makes winter work far more manageable for your team.
Access equipment that supports safer winter working
Working at height requires extra attention during winter. Icy or uneven ground makes ladders and basic platforms less secure, increasing the risk of slips or instability. Powered access hire provides a safer and more reliable alternative, giving you controlled movement and solid support when the ground conditions aren’t ideal.
Our range includes scissor lifts, boom lifts and mast lifts, each designed to handle more challenging winter environments. Whether you’re accessing building facades, carrying out maintenance, or managing elevated installations, powered access helps you complete the job safely and more easily.
Welfare units that give your team a proper break from the cold
Cold weather can make the working day feel much longer than it is, and having somewhere warm and sheltered becomes essential. A welfare unit gives your team a proper space to step out of the winter conditions — somewhere away from the wind, rain and freezing temperatures where they can sit down, warm up and take a break without rushing. It also means access to hot water, a place to eat lunch comfortably and a moment to reset before heading back out on site.
Our welfare units, drying rooms and heated break spaces are set up to provide exactly that kind of support. A heated cabin offers a reliable space for your team to get out of the weather, while drying rooms help keep PPE, gloves and jackets usable throughout the day. Having these facilities available means everyone has a place to recharge properly, stay comfortable and return to work in better shape for the rest of the shift.
A quick note on winter PPE
While PPE isn’t something you hire from us, it’s still an important part of getting your site ready for icy weather, so it’s worth giving it a brief mention. The right clothing makes a noticeable difference to how smoothly the day goes when temperatures drop. Even with good lighting, heating and welfare facilities in place, your team will work far more comfortably if they’re dressed for the conditions.
Basic winter essentials can go a long way. Warm, layered clothing helps retain heat during long periods outdoors, and insulated gloves keep hands protected when handling tools or materials in cold conditions. High-vis jackets become even more important in winter, especially on overcast or foggy days when the site naturally feels dimmer and movement is harder to spot. And footwear plays a big part too. Boots with good grip and solid insulation support stability on frosty ground and help reduce the risk of slips throughout the day.
It doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive, but making sure everyone has suitable winter PPE helps reinforce all the other measures you put in place. It keeps your team safer, more comfortable and better prepared for whatever the weather brings.
With over 50 years of experience and 18 depots across the North, we’re equipped to support sites of all sizes during winter. If you’re unsure where to start or want advice on the best combination of equipment for your site, just get in touch. You can give us a call on 0333 323 2100 or visit your local depot, and our team will help you put together the right setup and arrange delivery to suit your schedule!
