Icy Conditions and Winter Weather

Are you prepared? Slip, trip and falls accidents increase during the Autumn and Winter season. There are effective actions that you can take to reduce the risk of a slip, trip or fall. Issues to consider during the winter months are as follows: Lighting Is there is enough lighting around your workplace for you and your workers to be able to see and avoid hazards that might be on the ground? Wet and decaying leaves Put in place a procedure for removing leaves at regular intervals; pay particular attention during times of high times and rain which can bring down large quantities of leaves. Rain water Many slip accidents happen at building entrances, as people entering the building, walk in rainwater. Fitting canopies of a good size over building entrances, and in the right position can help to prevent this. If a canopy is not a possibility, consider installing large, absorbent mats, or even changing the entrance flooring, to one which is non-slip. Ice, frost, snow To reduce the risk of slips on ice, frost or snow, you need to assess the risks and put in a system to manage it. You need to take action whenever freezing temperatures are forecast. Keep up to date by visiting a weather service site. Gritting Gritting should be carried out when frost, ice or snow is forecast, or when walkways are likely to be damp or wet and the floor temperatures are at, or below freezing. The best times are early in the evening before the frost settles and/or early in the morning before employees arrive. Regardless of the size of your site, always ensure that regularly used walkways are promptly tackled. It isn't just your work place you need to think of in these winter months, looking after your vehicle is one of the main priorities. Bad weather and shorter, darker days in winter pose a danger, with the period between 3pm and 6pm being particularly hazardous, as more people are travelling on the roads, on the way home from work, or school. To make sure you stay safe on the roads this winter, make sure, before you drive, you: Keep yourself and your vehicle in good technical repair to reduce your overall chances of any mishap or disaster while driving in winter weather. Prepare your vehicle for winter driving by giving it a complete check-up, and keep your fuel tank near to full to ensure that you do not run out. Make sure your tyres are in good order by checking them weekly, or when refuelling. Carry an emergency kit for your car in case you get stranded in adverse weather. Always carry a first Aid kit. Listen to weather forecasts and, if the weather and visibility are hazardous, ask yourself 'is this trip really necessary?'. On the road: Drive according to current road and weather conditions, making sure that all windows and mirrors are clear, and that wipers and defrosters are in good working condition. Drive slowly with low-beam headlights on if visibility is poor, test your brakes frequently, leave a bigger gap and never tailgate. Also check out our Online Safe Driving Safety Training Course.