All the leaves...

September is an important month in planning for potentially severe weather – is your unit ready?

Temperatures are expected to start nudging 27C this weekend with glorious sunshine forecast for much of the UK into next week.

And while we’re all hoping for an extended ‘Indian Summer,’ colleagues are reminded that September is an important month in planning for potentially severe weather in the months ahead.

Don’t fall prey to autumn. Slips, trips and falls continue to be one of the highest injury categories for colleagues, particularly during the autumn and winter months, and the most likely cause of injuries resulting in absence from work.

Outdoor slips, trips and falls account for a number of broken bones, bruising and musculoskeletal conditions each year, while poor housekeeping and congested work areas can present hazards when performing tasks indoors.

Colleagues should ensure their footwear is in good condition and that vehicles are appropriately equipped.

All units must also ensure they have adequate supplies of

  • De-icer
  • Grit/rock salt
  • Anti-freeze
  • Screen wash and scrapers
  • Spikeys or traction aides
  • Torches where required

When completing their monthly work area inspections, managers must look for any severe wind hazards such as loose tiles, chimneys or other fittings that could come loose in high winds. Consider any issues from last winter, such as heating problems or blocked drains, have all these been resolved?

12 Sep 2019