Toolbox talks: Winter Site Safety
Regardless of whether you’re a site operative or you work in our office, the wellbeing and safety of all Big Red’s staff and partners is our top priority. With the winter season upon us, our HSEQC Team is well underway with protecting each of our sites and teams against hazards posed by the colder months. As part of our latest ‘Toolbox Talks’, we’ll be taking a closer look at why we take the time to educate our staff on the greater risks on site in winter, as well as some key pointers to help keep employees safe.
Safe Driving
Driving in adverse weather conditions such as heavy snow and ice is discouraged. However, if necessary, then it’s imperative to consider some or all of the following, to help reduce the risk of an accident:
Using dipped headlights.
Accelerate gently, use low revs and change to higher gears as quickly as possible.
Starting in second gear will help with wheel slip.
Keep a constant speed up hills.
Use a low gear to go downhill and try to avoid braking unless necessary.
Steer into skids and do not take your hands off the wheel or slam on the brakes.
Stopping distances can be increased up to 10 times during icy conditions, which is why it’s essential to always maintain a safe and steady speed and keep your distance from other vehicles as much as possible.
Site safety
Taking the time to clear hazards during winter can help to avoid the risk of slips, trips or falls. Anti-slip measures such as de-icing agents and grit must be used on walkways, working areas, steps, including Haki Staircases, and emergency exits whenever freezing conditions when ice, or snow is forecast.
As the mornings and evenings stay darker for longer, all sites must be well lit to enhance visibility – including all walkways and workstations. Artificial lighting isn’t just essential from a safety perspective either, it can also add an extra layer of security and help reduce the risk of break-ins out of hours.
Equipment maintenance
To ensure optimal performance, all equipment on site should be regularly serviced. Fuel and hydraulic fluids must be set at recommended levels and winter-grade oils should be used to prevent malfunctions. It’s more than likely that your machines will use more fuel in winter, so it’s important not to get caught short.
To keep up to date with our latest Toolbox Talks or to find out more about our safety briefings, training and compliance, please visit Big Red’s LinkedIn and Twitter.