![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
STEEL PIPE FALL TRIGGERS FREAK CAUSE OF DEATH
Wooden bearer sent flying by pipe struck workman on head
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 16th September 2019FATAL FALL FROM INSECURE SCAFFOLD LADDER
Scaffold erected by unqualified and incompetent person
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 16th September 2019FIRMS FAILED TO MONITOR SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK
Principal Contractor and specialist fined over fall through roof mesh
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 12th September 2019ASSISTANCE FROM THIRD PARTY PROVES COSTLY
Contractor fined after non-employee loses fingers crushed by dozer
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 12th September 2019CUSTODIAL SENTENCES AFTER CAPTURE ON CAMERA
Roofing business partner failed to properly plan and supervise roofwork
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 12th September 2019FIRM FINED OVER FALL FROM LORRY BED
Serious injury after failure to provide suitable and clear instructions
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 10th September 2019COUNCIL FINED £100k OVER VIBRATION FAILINGS
Excessive use of power tools uncontrolled and without health surveillance
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 10th September 2019HSE ENFORCEMENT DATABASE LATEST UPDATE
View current online register of HSE prosecutions and enforcement notices
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 28th August 2019IMPROVING CDM DESIGNER HAZARD AWARENESS
Research explores power of “multi-media digital tool” for design hazards
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 27th August 2019DEMOLITION FEDERATION ON RECENT INCIDENTS
NFDC ‘statement of awareness’ follows unplanned collapses
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 27th August 2019RAISING COMPETENCE AND MAKING BUILDINGS SAFER
Life-safety-critical disciplines urged to act on Interim Report
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 27th August 2019BUILDING WORKS COMPROMISED GAS SAFETY
Company and director fined after work created risk to residents
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 27th August 2019NON-INJURY PROSECUTION OVER WORK ON THE EDGE
HSE routine inspection results in £25,000 fine for errant contractor
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 27th August 2019FALL PRECAUTIONS FELL BETWEEN TWO FIRMS
Contractors fined after workers at risk of falling from roof
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 9th August 2019SOLAR PANEL FIRM AWARE OF FRAGILE ROOF RISK
Workman suffered long-term injuries in 4m fall through rooflight
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 9th August 2019HSE PROSECUTE FIRM OVER RISK NOT HARM
Multiple safety failings land construction company in court
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 9th August 2019CLIENT AND CONTRACTOR FACED COURT TOGETHER
Firms breached joint duty to plan and carry our work at height safely
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 6th August 2019£1M FINE OVER DEATH CAUSED BY EXCAVATOR
Vehicle driver found guilty at trial alongside CDM Principal Contractor
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 6th August 2019CHILD DIED WHILST PLAYING ON POWERED GATE
Lack of end stop caused gate to fall on 6 year old boy
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 6th August 2019HSE SPEAK AT ACCESS INDUSTRY CONFERENCE 2019
AIF National Working at Height Conference November 2019
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 6th August 2019UK CLIENT FINED OVER UNSAFE OVERSEAS FIRM
Italian contractor found guilty despite failure to attend court
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 6th August 2019COMPLETE FAILURE TO RECOGNISE HAVS RISK
Specialist drilling company and director sentenced over HAVS danger
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 6th August 2019PC AND TWO OTHERS FAILED TO ASSESS WIND EFFECT
Fall of director from roof caused by ‘Storm Doris’ gust
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 30th July 2019MAJOR FIRM FINED £400k OVER LIFTING OPERATION
Fitter loses four fingers as load slides and falls to the ground
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 28th July 2019NEW HOMES LEFT IN DANGEROUS CONDITION
Fined for unsafe gas work causing fires at housing development
Posted on 28th July 2019
