Page 1067 - Xmo Strata - Bulletin Archive

Health, Safety & Environmental Bulletin No 395

30 January 2014

Winter Hazards

Please see enclosed a self-explanatory bulletin that was shared with us by Aecom.

According to the Met Office, despite the heavy rainfall, floods and high winds, this winter is so far the mildest
since 1988, is the fourth mildest on record, and is likely to continue being mild. However, you should always be
prepared for the weather to change and ensure that you and your vehicle are safe.

10 TIPS FOR DRIVING IN THE WINTER MONTHS:

1. Check your tyre pressure - flat tyres reduce your grip which can be lethal in wet conditions.
2. Check your tyre tread depth - a 20p coin can be a useful tread guide. If you can see the outer band of the
coin when you put it in a groove, your tread depth may be illegal. Tyres should also be checked for any cuts
or bulges.

3. Don't speed - breaking the speed limit is illegal and dangerous all of the time, but add bad weather to the
mix and you have a potentially deadly cocktail!
4. Keep well back - in rain, snow or ice, stopping distances will increase dramatically, so slow down and keep
well back from the vehicle in front.
5. Use the appropriate gear - in wet or icy conditions, accelerate slowly and use a high gear to get more
traction.
6. Don't overtake the gritter or snow plough - they may be moving slowly but they are there to make your
journey safer. The road ahead of a gritter or snow plough is likely to be worse than the road behind it. Keep
back!
7. Check the fluids - ensure that windscreen wash is topped up with fluid and antifreeze if necessary. Also, be
sure your wiper blades are clean.
8. Lights, lights, lights - poor weather conditions make it more difficult to see the road and other drivers.
Switch on your lights to see, and be seen.

9. Don't just rely on sat-navs - your sat-nav may show a gentle bend in the road, but hazards like a bad camber,
crest, oncoming vehicle or narrowing road won't be shown on a sat-nav screen. Slow down and take care.

10. Check your oil - the last place you want to be on a cold December evening is at the side of a busy road with
steam billowing from your engine bay. Check your oil level and keep it topped up.

We are all a product of learning. Every skill we have; everything we know; everything we believe and everything we do has
been learned throughout the course of our lives. Some of us learn best by studying graphs and charts, some through visual
presentations, and some by reading detailed text books. It is important that we receive information in a format that works for
us as individuals! That’s why at Xmo Strata we use a variety of communication platforms such as bulletins, newsletters,
videos etc. However, if you feel there is a better way for us to share health and safety information, please let us know.
Ultimately, your safety is in your hands – but we will do all we can to keep you well informed!