![PP Construction Safety logo and link to home page [1]](http://www.ppconstructionsafety.com/wp-content/themes/ppcs960/images/ppcslogo.jpg)
DRIVING FOR WORK: WINTER PREPARATIONS REQUIRED
HA urges “ill prepared” drivers to shape up for winter journeys
The Highways Agency (HA) is urging drivers to ‘Make Time for Winter’ by preparing themselves and their vehicles to help keep the roads running smoothly.
Roads Minister Robert Goodwill said:
“The Highways Agency does all it can to keep the roads open during severe weather. But drivers need to play their part too by making simple vehicle checks, carrying a few important items and planning their journeys according to the weather.
In very severe weather, drivers need to consider whether their journey is really necessary.”
HA research shows that in the North West 72 per cent of drivers do not make any vehicle checks and almost half – 48 per cent – do not take any of the items in the suggested emergency kit such as de-icer or warm clothing.
Avoid non-essential trips and plan for essential ones
HA advise that if weather is very severe consider if your journey is essential or travel at a different time. In winter, the weather can change quickly so always be prepared for bad weather.
Highways Agency Traffic Management Director, Simon Sheldon-Wilson, says:
“The Highways Agency is well-prepared for ice and snow. We have over 500 salt spreading vehicles, ploughs and snow blowers, and 270,000 tonnes of salt already in stock.
Using detailed weather forecasts, we treat the road network before road temperatures fall below freezing – often at night in preparation for peak traffic periods.
But that doesn’t mean people should drive as they normally would – they still need to take care, as they would during any kind of adverse weather, and plan ahead.”
The Highways Agency provides real-time traffic information for the motorways and other strategic roads in England using a range of channels, including the web, social media and through national and local radio stations.
Drivers are encouraged to take some simple steps during winter.
- Check your vehicle – fuel and fluid levels, electrics and tyres before setting out;
- Emergenc Kit – be prepared with an emergency kit in your vehicle, including ice-scraper, de-icer, warm clothes and blankets, torch, boots, first aid kit, jump leads, a spade, a road atlas and sunglasses (for the winter glare);
- Plan your journeys – and check weather and travel conditions before and during your journey; and
- Ice danger – remember that even when roads have been treated with salt, ice can still form, particularly on bends or under overhanging trees.
Latest Construction Health and Safety News
SCAFFOLD INSPECTORS ISSUED FALSIFIED CERTIFICATES
Prosecution for two after workman fell from illegitimately signed off scaffold
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 25th September 2017REVERSING EXCAVATOR CRUSHED WORKMAN
Lack of management system to segregate pedestrians and vehicles
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 21st September 2017CLIENT FINED £2.5 MILLION AFTER CONTRACTOR DEATH
Fatal fall through roof leaves client responsible for massive fine
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 21st September 2017HSE ENFORCEMENT WEEKLY UPDATE 20th SEPT 2017
Prosecutions and enforcement notices weekly update and analysis
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 20th September 2017NEW EDGE PROTECTION INSTALLATION TRAINING
Trade body launches CSCS backed edge protection installer qualification
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 18th September 2017GOVERNMENT CALLS FOR ACTION ON ILL-HEALTH
Business leaders accept charge of inaction on work-related ill-health
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 18th September 2017FIRM FAILED TO ENFORCE FORK LIFT SEAT BELT USE
Operator suffered fatal crush injuries after FLT overturned
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 18th September 2017DIRECTOR AND FOREMAN JAILED OVER FATAL FALL
Failure to act on HSE advice ended in gross negligence manslaughter
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 18th September 2017PRISON SENTENCE FOR ROOFING CONTRACTOR
Council H&S officers reported dangerous roof work to HSE
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 14th September 2017HSE ENFORCEMENT WEEKLY UPDATE 14th SEPT 2017
Prosecutions and enforcement notices weekly update and analysis
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 14th September 2017LADDER STANDARDS MOVE UP A RUNG OR TWO
Ladder Association guide to fundamental changes in ladder standard
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 12th September 2017SILICA (RCS) DUST LIMIT – THE ONLY WAY IS DOWN?
US regulator cuts RCS exposure standard to half UK limit
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 12th September 2017SAFE2TORCH – REDUCING FLAT ROOF FIRE RISK
Industry body seeks to reduce ‘torch’ triggered fires at design stage
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 8th September 2017FIRM AND DIRECTOR SENTENCED OVER GAS RISK
Poorly planned extension prevented effective gas venting
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 7th September 2017£1 MILLION CLIENT FINE FOLLOWS FATAL FALL
Electrician died after fall from step ladder provided by client
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 7th September 2017HSE ENFORCEMENT WEEKLY UPDATE 6th SEPT 2017
Prosecutions and enforcement notices weekly update and analysis
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 7th September 2017HAVS HEALTH CHECK PROMPTS HSE PROSECUTION
Assessment of vibration exposure and control measures found wanting
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 7th September 2017HSE LUNG DISEASE SUMMIT TARGETS SILICA DUST (RCS)
Regulator starts major initiative on lung disease in construction
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 1st September 2017HSE COST RECOVERY NOW “FULLY INDEPENDENT”
New Fee for Intervention disputes procedure now in place
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 1st September 2017CLIENT FINED AS CDM 2015 PRINCIPAL CONTRACTOR
Failure by client to appoint attracts PC duties by default
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 30th August 2017JOINER PARALYSED AFTER FALL THROUGH JOISTS
Fall prevention and risk minimisation measures not taken
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 30th August 2017HSE ENFORCEMENT WEEKLY UPDATE 30th AUG 2017
Prosecutions and enforcement notices weekly update and analysis
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 30th August 2017COMPLAINT COSTS CONTRACTOR £145,000 IN FINES
HSE prosecute CDM 2015 Principal Contractor over risk without injury
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 29th August 2017HSE ENFORCEMENT WEEKLY UPDATE 23rd AUG 2017
Prosecutions and enforcement notices weekly update and analysis
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 23rd August 2017HSE CONSTRUCTION FATALITY RECORDS: Q1 2017/18
Latest HSE fatality records reveal four (4) deaths in first three months
Posted on 23rd August 2017
