Page 877 - Xmo Strata - Bulletin Archive

Health, Safety & Environmental Bulletin No 326

25 October 2012

Winter Travel and Working

As winter fast approaches, the clocks are about to go back again, RoSPA have reissued their guidance
for driving in winter.

Why not spent the extra hour you’ll get this weekend to think about the seasonal hazards we face at
home, at work and travelling between and the measures you can put in place to reduce the risk of
injury.

All the precautions you would take in your everyday life to cope with hazardous weather conditions
and extended hours of darkness also apply at work - it's all about managing change and preparing for
exposure to new risks.

Driving
• Do you have a plan for your vehicle being frosted over when you leave the house or hotel for
work?
• Are your lights working?
• Is your wiper fluid topped up? Does it contain anti freeze?
• Have you checked the oil level?
• Are your brakes working properly?
• Are you thinking ahead - black ice, flooding, snow etc?
• Are you keeping at a sensible distance from the car in front?
• Have you checked your tyre pressure?
• Do you have a journey plan before you leave?
• Do you have a means of contacting someone if you become lost / stuck?

On Site
• Is the site lit well enough to carry out work?
• What are the conditions of the working area? Have you checked for ice etc?
• Is your van protecting your work area? This is the safest way to protect yourself from oncoming
vehicles, especially on a busy forecourt. The reflective van markings are there to protect you.
See - dvd on our website: http://www.xmostrata.com/videos/training_video_series1.php
• Are weather conditions safe to work in? High winds, heavy rain, sleet/snow?
• Have you signed-in? Is the site manager aware you are onsite?
• Do you know the procedures for reporting hazards?
• Are you aware of the refusal to work procedures?

Please think back to all your training in risk assessments, managing change and reporting / managing
hazards.

Ask questions whenever you need to; there is always someone available to help.

And finally.....don't forget to turn your clocks back at 2am on Sunday 28 October.