![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
FATALITY: CRANE COLLAPSE ON HOMES PROJECT
Two workmen die in crane collapse in Crewe
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 23rd June 2017BUILD UK EXPLAINS PROJECT H&S TRAINING STANDARD
UK contractors clarify skill cards needed on CDM 2015 projects
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 21st June 2017HSE ENFORCEMENT WEEKLY UPDATE 21 JUNE 2017
Prosecutions and enforcement notices weekly update and analysis
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 21st June 2017CIVILS FIRMS PAYS PRICE OVER PUBLIC DANGER
Fencing wire struck member of public relaxing in own garden
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 20th June 2017DELAYED RESCUE CONTRIBUTED TO DEATH AT HEIGHT
MEWP operator died trapped between controls and roof beam
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 20th June 2017CLIENT FINED UNDER CDM 2007 & CDM 2015
Construction work must be properly managed from outset
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 19th June 2017WORKMAN BURNED WHILST CUTTING LIVE CABLE
Firms to pay £500,000 over unsafe system for electrical work
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 19th June 2017WORKMAN CHEATS DEATH IN 8M ROOFLIGHT FALL
Steel fabricators fined over unsafe short-term roofwork
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 19th June 2017HOMES FIRM DIRECTOR CONVICTED OF MANSLAUGHTER
Excavation collapse dangers ignored by director and digger operator
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 14th June 2017HSE ENFORCEMENT WEEKLY UPDATE 14th JUNE 2017
Prosecutions and enforcement notices weekly update and analysis
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 14th June 2017BOSS AND FOREMAN CONVICTED OF MANSLAUGHTER
Safety standards allowed to fall despite HSE enforcement action
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 10th June 2017WORK AT HEIGHT ADVANCES HIGHLIGHTED AT EXPO
Access Industry Forum (AIF) puts height safety first at Expo 2017
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 9th June 2017PRICE OF NON-COMPLIANCE RISES STEADILY
Roofing company fined £80,000 for ignoring advice and HSE notice
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 9th June 2017MANUAL HANDLING OFFENCE FINED £67,000
Significant risk in handling excavator wheel not avoided or assessed
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 8th June 2017COMPANY RELIED UPON EXPERIENCED WORKERS
Lack of precautions to prevent fall through fragile rooflight
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 7th June 2017CLIENT FAILED TO APPOINT COMPETENT CONTRACTOR
Contractor receives prison term whilst CDM client fined £160,000
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 7th June 2017PUZZLES HELP DELIVER CITB AND NEBOSH COURSES
Innovative new tool available to support effective H&S training
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 7th June 2017NEW DUMPER TO IMPROVE SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY
Manufacturer promises greater visibility, stability and operator protection
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 7th June 2017HSE ENFORCEMENT WEEKLY UPDATE 7th JUNE 2017
Prosecutions and enforcement notices weekly update and analysis
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 7th June 2017NEW GUIDE ON GUILTY PLEA SENTENCING
Sentencing Council guidelines may assist corporate H&S offenders
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 6th June 2017MAJOR CONTRACTOR RESPONDS TO ‘BEARDS BAN’ BLAST
Union calls for dust elimination and consultation before imposing ban
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 5th June 2017CONSTRUCTION DEATHS TUMBLE IN 2016/17
Latest HSE latest records suggests substantial drop in worker fatalities
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 5th June 2017WRONGLY INSTALLED MACHINE SEVERED HAND
Manufacturer instructions not followed during saw installation
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 2nd June 2017LACK OF SITE FENCING LED TO TRENCH DROWNING
Vulnerable member of the public died in flooded excavation
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 2nd June 2017NEW HSE ENDORSED MEWP GUIDANCE FOR MANAGERS
Securing safe plant and operation set out in new industry guide
Posted on 2nd June 2017
