Published on
November 25, 2025
As the chill sets in and frosty mornings become part of daily life, most of us take comfort in centrally heated homes and offices. But for thousands of UK workers, winter brings a very different experience, a season of standing for long hours in biting cold, battling rain, wind and even snow, all while keeping the country moving. These are the people who keep our streets safe, our deliveries on time, and our communities functioning despite whatever weather the British climate throws their way.
To shine a light on this unsung resilience and the hidden risks many UK workers face, the Winter Worker Risk List takes a data-led look at the UK’s riskiest winter jobs for your legs. Whether you’re in hi-vis or hauling the post, you could be at a higher risk of leg health issues this season.
But what makes a job truly “risky” in winter? Our analysis focused on four main criteria, each of which has a direct impact on circulation and vein health.
First, cold exposure: When workers spend long hours outside in low temperatures, their bodies attempt to preserve core body temperature by constricting blood vessels, especially in the extremities like the legs and feet. This is known as vasoconstriction, and although it helps keep you warm, it also means less blood, oxygen, and nutrients reach the peripheral tissues. For individuals with existing vein or circulatory issues, or even for healthy people over long shifts, this reduced blood flow can worsen symptoms such as swelling, heaviness, aching, and even increase the risk of varicose veins or circulatory fatigue.
Next, standing time: Roles that require workers to remain on their feet for most of the day place extra pressure on the veins in the legs. Gravity naturally makes it harder for blood to travel upward from the feet to the heart, and prolonged standing leads to pooling of blood in the lower limbs, increased vein pressure, and in some cases, swelling or aching legs. The strain on vein valves can lead to or exacerbate varicose veins and long-term vascular discomfort.
Restricted mobility is another significant concern. Some winter jobs force workers to stand still or stay in one spot for extended periods, reducing the muscle activity that normally helps pump blood back toward the heart. Without movement, circulation becomes sluggish; blood and fluids accumulate in the legs, increasing feelings of heaviness and fatigue, and raising the risk of developing or worsening vein problems like chronic venous insufficiency.
Finally, we considered workplace adaptations. Access to warm shelters, proper personal protective equipment (PPE), and regular indoor breaks can make a huge difference. Warmth reduces harmful vasoconstriction, and opportunities for movement and rest allow veins to recover and maintain healthier blood flow. Compression socks and ergonomic PPE can give veins extra support, helping to counteract the negative impact of cold and immobility.
Together, these factors paint a clear and medically sound picture of why certain jobs strain workers’ circulation, especially the veins in their legs, more during the UK’s cold winter months.
These workers are often stationed outside for hours at a time, usually standing still in one spot with little opportunity to move or warm up. Prolonged immobility combined with direct exposure to the cold causes blood to pool in the lower legs and increases pressure on the veins, making them highly vulnerable to swelling, aches, and vascular fatigue.
This group works in exposed fields, woodlands, or on the water, often far from shelter and in all weather. Extended periods outdoors, heavy physical workload, and little control over environmental exposure mean high risks for cold stress, muscle fatigue, and compromised leg health.
Frequently working night shifts or early mornings in freezing or wet conditions, these crews spend long hours on their feet and often have restricted mobility while focusing on tasks. The combination of cold, standing, and strenuous labor heightens their risk of vein and circulation issues.
Self-employed and frequently lacking access to adequate shelter or warm breaks, these traders spend whole days exposed to rain, wind, and cold. Little movement and constant cold exposure lead to higher strain on the legs and circulatory system.
Outdoors year-round, these workers are regularly exposed to cold, damp, and windy conditions. Their duties often require alternating between heavy manual work and periods of stillness, both of which can impair healthy circulation and increase vascular risks.
The next group facing high winter leg health risks includes:
All of these occupations combine cold exposure, prolonged standing, and limited opportunity to warm up or take breaks, increasing strain on veins and legs during the UK winter. If you work in any of these roles, your legs are doing some serious winter overtime.
Of course, job risk isn’t only about what you do. Where you work matters too. By combining data such as average winter temperatures, rainfall, and local employment patterns, we identified the cities where winter work is toughest on your legs. Leeds stands out for its low winter temperatures and the highest number of days of air frost, where the temperature near the ground drops below freezing. With more than twice as many frosty days as the lowest risk city, outdoor workers in Leeds will especially feel the cold in their feet. This poses particular challenges for those who have static outdoor posts, such as security guards.
Manchester, with the highest number of days of heavy rain (above 1mm) and the lowest number of sunshine hours, also ranks high. With gloomy days and wet weather, outdoor workers in Manchester are at particular risk for slips and falls, due to the low visibility and slippery surfaces. Glasgow comes in close behind Manchester in third place, due to its high number of frosty days, low sunshine hours and rainfall. Rounding out the top five are Cardiff and Belfast, where low minimum temperatures and heavy rainfall create particularly risky conditions for those working outside.
Working outdoors or on your feet in winter can lead to all sorts of leg complaints. Swelling, aching, poor circulation, and a heightened risk of varicose veins are just some of the symptoms workers may experience. Over time, the pressure on vascular health can be significant.
Mr Sanjay Patel, Consultant Vascular Surgeon at UK Vein Clinic warns: “Winter is a perfect storm for vascular stress. Cold temperatures, long shifts, and limited movement all increase the strain on leg health. Many people don’t realise the damage until symptoms become persistent.”
Working outside in colder weather requires extra care to protect circulation, vein health, and general wellbeing. Mr Sanjay Patel at UK Vein Clinic, explains: "When it’s cold, your blood vessels constrict to conserve heat, which makes circulation to the legs more sluggish. Combine that with standing for long hours or restricted movement, and you’ve got a high-risk scenario for vascular problems like varicose veins or chronic leg fatigue." Fortunately, there are simple and affordable steps you can take to stay safer and healthier this winter:
These socks support healthy blood flow and keep your legs warm, helping to reduce swelling and fatigue.
Drink plenty of fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Warm drinks like tea can assist circulation and maintain energy.
Flexing your calves, ankles, and toes every hour activates muscles that pump blood up your legs and reduce circulation strain.
Layering traps warm air, and waterproof outerwear keeps you dry, both critical for maintaining body heat.
Insulated boots with solid grip prevent cold feet and decrease slip risks on icy or wet surfaces.
Hands and heads lose heat quickly; insulated gloves and hats help maintain overall warmth and circulation.
Where possible, schedule outdoor tasks in warmer parts of the day or avoid work during extreme conditions.
Eating well fuels your body’s heat production and supports physical endurance in cold conditions.
Be alert for shivering, numbness, confusion, or fatigue, and seek warmth or medical help as soon as symptoms appear.
Regular breaks inside warm areas give your circulation and body a chance to recover from the cold, reducing risks tied to prolonged exposure.
While many of us grumble about the cold on our commute, it’s worth pausing to appreciate those working full shifts in sub-zero conditions. Whether they’re fixing roads, delivering the mail, or safeguarding property, their legs are bearing the brunt so life can carry on. Workers in these high-risk roles should pay close attention to signals from their bodies, fatigue, swelling, or visible veins can be signs that circulation needs support.
To uncover which jobs pose the greatest risk to leg health in cold weather, we analysed 20 common outdoor occupations based on workforce size and exposure to winter conditions. Each role was scored across five key criteria known to contribute to leg strain and poor circulation during winter:
Each criterion was normalised to a 1–10 scale, with higher scores reflecting greater risk. A final average score across all five categories was calculated to produce the overall ranking. Our assessment combined employment data from the ONS, job function insights from the National Careers Service, and industry-specific guidance from HSE and other reputable sources.
To identify the UK cities where winter poses the greatest challenge for outdoor workers, we analysed weather data across six key climate indicators known to increase physical strain and reduce worker comfort and safety during colder months:
Each city was scored across all six categories, with higher risk conditions (colder, wetter, gloomier) receiving higher scores. Scores were normalised and averaged to produce a final risk score per city.
The result is a ranked list of locations where outdoor workers are most exposed to harsh winter conditions that can contribute to poor leg and vascular health.
Sources:
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