Winter Safety
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) has created a guide on how to stay safe during the coldest months of the year.
The ROSPA's guide covers many topics we're going to focus on 2 of them but we'll link the full article down below if you'd like more info
Winter Driving
Although there tends to be less overall number of road casualties when there is snow or ice on the road because fewer people take the road, it's important to remember the risks are still apparent despite these low numbers. In 2014 the Department of Transport (DfT) released figures that show almost 300 people were seriously injured or worse, due to reported road accidents on Great Britain's roads when there was snow or ice on the road surface.
The ROSPA recommend the use of Grit and Road salts as part of a proactive and reactive winter maintenance programme if and when the temperature drops, or is expected to drop, below freezing point.
Slips, Trips & Falls
With Slips and Trips already being the most common cause of injury, it's important to be even more careful in the situation where there could be snow or ice.
The ROSPA recommend certain steps to help prevent accidents like slip & trips.
- Wear sturdy footwear, with good grip
- Use Nordic walking poles (or something similar) when available
- Allow extra time to get to your destination
- keep an eye on what is underfoot, being careful of ice
- Offer to do shop runs for any elderly/disabled/new mum neighbours
- Grit where needed from public bins but don't overuse
we hope everyone is keeping safe over the holidays and making sure to enjoy themselves
If you would like to read the full ROSPA article click here
