As winter settles in across Australia, workplaces must adapt quickly to reduced daylight, unpredictable conditions, and increased risks on roads and job sites.
From slippery surfaces to low-visibility environments, winter introduces a new layer of hazards for councils, contractors, transport operators and field workers.
At HIVIS, we know that safety doesn’t pause during colder months. In fact, many incidents spike in winter due to poor lighting, faded signage, and increased road hazards. This guide outlines key winter risks and the practical safety upgrades you can make today using compliant, durable HIVIS products.
1. Reduced Visibility Increases Risk
Shorter days and grey weather make it harder for drivers and pedestrians to see signage, road markings, and hazards. This puts field crews, road users, and facility staff at higher risk, especially in early morning or late afternoon hours.
Solutions:
- Upgrade to Class 400 or Class 1100 reflective signage. These remain bright and readable even in heavy rain or low light.
- Install LED-based smart signs in high-risk areas such as school zones, pedestrian crossings, and traffic diversion points.
- Use high-visibility vehicle graphics to improve detection of fleet or council vehicles, on-site or parked roadside.
2. Wet Conditions Cause Surface Hazards
Rain, frost, and cold temperatures can make worksites and walkways slippery. Painted surfaces, tile entries, and metal walkways all become more dangerous in winter.
Solutions:
- Use anti-slip floor decals or temporary ground signage to guide foot traffic safely through exposed areas.
- Add temporary bollards or barrier tape to mark off slippery or non-accessible paths.
- Repaint or remark surfaces where paint has worn thin to ensure clear directional guidance.
3. Fatigued Drivers and Poor Road Judgement
Reduced light, long commutes in the dark, and weather-induced stress affect driver alertness. School zones, depots, and job sites need to support safe decision-making in all conditions.
Solutions:
- Ensure school zone flashing signs are working reliably with visible LEDs and set correctly to winter timetables.
- Reassess signage placement and height. Signs obscured by low sun angles or fog may need repositioning for improved visibility.
- Use LED Message board signs for weather updates or changed site instructions.
4. Winter Exposes Damaged or Aged Signage
Harsh weather quickly reveals weaknesses in old or low-quality signage. Rain, wind and low temperatures can cause peeling, fading, rust, or failure of inferior materials, especially on signs installed years ago. Winter is when under performing signage becomes a liability.
Solutions:
- Inspect all school zone, pedestrian and road signage for cracks, rust or fading, especially around mounting points and edges.
- Replace worn signs with HIVIS Class 400 or Class 1100 reflective signage, which withstands seasonal exposure and maintains legibility year-round.
- Upgrade damaged posts or fixings using compliant mounting hardware designed for strength and corrosion resistance.
- Use asset-tagged signage to streamline inspections, maintenance logs and replacement cycles.
5. Plan for Short-Term Upgrades
Winter is an opportunity to audit your signage, pedestrian safety setup, and vehicle visibility to prepare for the rest of the year. It is also a smart time to complete quick upgrades during seasonal budget reviews or before EOFY.
Quick wins to consider:
- Replace any signage that is cracked, leaning or faded
- Check all LED signage components are operational and fault-free
- Restock bollards, barriers, and cones used heavily in wet months
- Audit vehicle graphics and reflectivity across the council or fleet
Stay Visible, Stay Compliant
Winter does not need to be a risky season for your workplace. With the right signage, apparel, and visibility tools in place, you can protect people, reduce incidents and meet compliance requirements.
HIVIS is here to help with:
- School and road signage
- Reflective vehicle graphics
- Bollards, barriers, and LED Signage
