Source: CMCLIFTUK

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WINTER IS COMING

Well you don’t need to be Ned Stark or a ‘Game of Thrones’ fan to know that!

We’ve all felt the recent shift in temperature, especially on your early morning starts, but we’re here to help!

So, your winter won’t be as bad as one you might experience at Ned Stark’s Winterfell Castle.


“At CMC UK your safety is our priority. Our thoughts are now turning to what we can do to help you keep working safely throughout the colder months.”

Russell Woodward – Director CMCLift UK


We want to help you keep safe from the moment you leave the yard in the morning until you return at the end of the day for a well earned cuppa.

When the temperature drops, cold weather care for your employees and your machine become paramount. So, were popping some ideas into the next couple of newsletters that will help you prepare.


Let’s face it, your most important assets are you and your team, so as far as we’re concerned it all starts with you!

Wear warm clothing when going up in the machine. Our advice is ‘layer up so you can strip off’ when you get working.

Always take your mobile phone with you, on a ‘full charge’ just in case.

Take a snack and a warm drink if possible, even on short jobs, just in case you have an issue and need to wait for help.

Make sure everyone is familiar with the emergency procedures. The last thing you want is a member of your team stuck up in the cage potentially suffering from hyperthermia, whilst everyone else is on the ground trying to figure out what to do!


Ground conditions will change when we enter the wetter, colder months. This makes it really important to assess the conditions carefully and more frequently. Our pointers are below.

  • Assess the ground conditions and select an appropriate size of outrigger pad depending on circumstances. As a general rule, ‘the softer the ground the larger the pad’.
  • If the ground conditions are TOO soft, then revisit your job when the conditions are dryer and safer.
  • If it rains during the day remember to re-assess the ground conditions and set up again if needs be.
  • If it’s a frosty start when you are setting up, bear in mind that when the temperature eventually rises this will cause the ground to thaw out. So, keep re assessing your ground conditions and re-set up the machine, if necessary.
  • The ground will be more slippery. Check the condition of the tracks ensuring there is sufficient tread.
  • This will also mean that slopes and other obstacles will be more challenging to negotiate, our advice is to ‘take it easy’ and do NOT exceed the machines’ travelling gradability.
  • Remember, if there is snow on the ground it could cover all sorts of unmentionable hazards. Make sure you clear the snow before you set up. Puddles can also be a tricky customer, as you never know how deep they are.

And finally……. remember on uneven ground it’s best practice to travel with the outriggers down just above the ground to prevent tipping.

On a final note…

“Winter is coming. We know what’s coming with it”

Don’t forget this is the first of two newsletters covering the kind of preparation you can make this winter to keep you and your team safe. Next time we’ll be looking at MEWP care, Trailers and lowlight levels.

See you next time.