If the weather reports are to be believed then we are in for a bout of cold weather during January and February.
Here’s are our 8 top tips to help you avoid injuries and avoid unnecessary enforcement action during the cold spells.
- Maintaining access to and from your place of work. In compliance with the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations state that traffic routes should be free from anything that may cause a person to slip, trip or fall. It is reasonable to assume this requirement expects consideration for the effect from snow and ice. Remember, you are only expected to do what is ‘reasonably in the circumstances’ which may be to clear the snow or ice from outside your entrance and exits (including final fire exit points). Don’t forget about the slush or ice visitors and staff may bring in to the premises on their shoes, ensure you have appropriate floor mats in place at the entrance points to facilitate this.
- Ensure you wear warm, appropriate clothing on your way to and from work
- Have a winter service completed on your vehicle. Take your vehicle to a garage and have a winter service check. A few of the larger national garages offer the winter check for free
- Carry a Winter emergency kit on-board which should include:
- Ice scraper and de-icer
- Torch
- Warm clothing and a blanket
- Sun glasses (for the glare)
- Some food and water
- A shovel (travel folding shovels are available)
- First aid kit
- Hi-vis jacket
- Keep an in car charger in your car, to ensure you have a means to keep your phone powered up
- Be familiar with your route. If it takes you down steep hills and poorly lit roads, investigate alternatives and make sure someone knows which way you have gone
- Keep your windscreen washer bottle full with appropriate washer fluid. Check it regularly, don’t wait for the car to tell you
- Remember, The Highway Code expects you to take responsibility for your vehicle and check that it is safe to drive in all conditions every time you use it
