As the clocks go back and the evenings grow colder, winter has a way of bringing out the best in us. A held door, a small favour, a simple act of kindness, as Christmas draws near, the sentiment of “Peace on earth, and goodwill to all” feels especially true.
But in security, even the simplest actions with the best intensions can come with hidden risks.
An open door meant to keep someone warm can also invite in cold air, moisture, slip hazards, or even unauthorised access. Combined with darker evenings, unpredictable weather, and reduced visibility, winter creates a unique set of security challenges that businesses across the UK must prepare for.
Last year showed how quickly conditions can change. Sudden drops in temperature, heavy rain, and icy mornings caused accidents, equipment faults, staffing shortages, and issues that impacted overall site security in winter. This year is expected to bring similar challenges, making preparation more important than ever.
At SGS, we take these risks seriously, aware of the potential disruption and the effective solutions to prevent. Below are our key winter security considerations every site should prioritise, supported by strong manned guarding, mobile patrols, and intelligent digital tools like our own MiSentinel security management.
Slip Hazards and Site Safety
Slippery entrances, frozen car parks, and wet loading bays are some of the most common slip hazards at work during the winter season. These conditions pose risks not only to employees and visitors but also to security officers, particularly those on night shift security or lone-worker assignments.
To reduce incidents, ensure:
- Paths are well lit and regularly gritted
- High-risk areas are inspected frequently
- Hazards are logged and addressed quickly
With our MiSentinel management platform, teams can instantly report issues, record near misses, and ensure maintenance tasks are completed supporting health and safety compliance in real time.
The Human Factor: Warmth, Doors, and Unauthorised Access
While there can be instances where it may seem beneficial and convenient, leaving doors open is one of the biggest winter security risks. It leads to heat loss, safety hazards, and increases the chances of unauthorised access.
Manned guarding services in the UK play a critical role here. Trained officers ensure that:
- Entrances remain secure
- Visitors and deliveries are monitored
- Employee access is verified
- Back-of-house areas are regularly checked
Combined with mobile patrols UK, sites can maintain strong physical security without relying on staff to police access points themselves.
Staff Sickness and Security Coverage
Winter brings colds, flu, and higher sickness rates, often causing last-minute absences. Reduced manpower affects patrol frequency, response times, and overall security workforce management.
With MiSentinel, managers can redeploy officers, monitor attendance, and identify coverage gaps instantly, ensuring continuous protection even during difficult weeks.
Protecting Security Equipment in Cold Weather
Winter weather is tough on equipment. Cameras, alarms, access control systems, and remote monitoring hardware are all vulnerable to condensation, freezing temperatures, and moisture. These issues can cause downtime and compromise safety.
Regular inspections, supported by vigilant security officers can help identify faults early. When technology fails, on-site personnel remain your most reliable first line of defence.
Covered Faces and Identification Challenges
Scarves, snoods, hoods, and masks make winter warmer, but they also make identification harder. Reduced visibility affects CCTV, alarm verification, and manual ID checks.
Manned guarding is crucial in these conditions. Experienced officers can:
- Verify IDs even in low visibility
- Assess behaviour
- Identify inconsistencies
- Spot high-risk actions that automated systems may miss
Simple measures, like requiring visible ID badges or controlled entry through a single access point, help maintain security without sacrificing comfort.
Darker Evenings and Reduced Visibility
With darkness falling before 5 p.m., lighting becomes essential to maintaining site visibility in winter. Poorly lit areas increase the likelihood of trespassing, theft, and trips or falls.
Routine lighting checks, supported with MiSentinel’s reporting features, keep perimeters, walkways, and car parks properly illuminated—protecting both people and property.
Extreme Weather, Wellbeing, and Continuity
The Met Office has hinted at potential “polar blasts” this year meaning difficult travel conditions, reduced staffing, and delayed responses are possible. Good risk assessment for winter season planning is essential.
MiSentinel allows teams to coordinate:
- Emergency cover
- Lone worker protection
- Welfare checks
- Real-time communication with on-site personnel
Equally important is wellbeing. Long, cold shifts can impact morale and fatigue levels. Regular check-ins—both digitally and in person—support security officer wellbeing and ensure guards remain alert and safe.
Staying Secure Through the Season
At SGS, we understand that winter doesn’t just challenge endurance, it tests awareness, planning, and teamwork. From slippery paths to equipment failures, every business must balance caution with compassion.
This season, we’ll all be tempted to hold the door open for someone, especially in the cold. But in security, true kindness means keeping people safe, not just warm.
By combining professional guarding services during bad weather, mobile patrols, MiSentinel’s digital reporting tools, and proactive planning, you can maintain robust protection and peace of mind throughout the winter months.
So, as the temperatures drop, stay warm, stay aware, and remember:
Be kind. But keep it closed.
