Get ready for …….

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Your health and well-being

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• Make sure you wrap up warm - almost half of all heat loss is through your head in cold weather.

• Hypothermia occurs when body heat is lost faster than it can be produced. Frostbite and immersion foot can occur at only moderately low temperatures. Both Hypothermia and Frostbite can kill.

• The lower the temperature gets the more concentration is affected – resulting in an increase of accidents.

Winter proof your surroundings

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• Whether you work on a construction site or not, you should “Take 5” and take a good look around your working area, pedestrian walkways and car parks to check they are well lit and report any lighting that isn’t working properly. Make sure we have the right working conditions and there aren’t any hazards that could be hidden by shadows.

• Check there is a sufficient supply of grit available to keep paths and roadways safe.

• Ensure your site provides heated welfare facilities, with facilities for storing, drying and changing clothes, as well as to make hot drinks.

Winter driving

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• Take care on the roads. Make sure you allow yourself extra time to travel, and give your car a winter check over – topping up your anti-freeze, checking your screen wash and wiper blades, and that you have good tread on you tyres.

• Think about reducing your speed and allowing yourself extra stopping distance between you and the car in front.

• Check the weather forecast before you travel.

• Consider packing some extra warm clothes, a blanket and high-visibility clothing in your car.

• Keep your phone charged up, just in case you get stuck. Write down important telephone numbers including your breakdown company.

Winter proof your home

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• Insulate water tanks in unheated areas like loft spaces and garages. Check that your loft insulation is thick and in good condition, and runs over the pipework where possible.

• When it's very cold, leave your loft trapdoor open so warm air can circulate. • Check your boiler has been serviced, and leave your heating on low when you are

away. • If your property is unoccupied for long periods, turn off the water at the stopcock

and consider draining down the system so there is no water left in the pipes.

• All pipes that are exposed to cold should be protected. This includes lagging pipes and taps on external walls, in the loft, in the garage and in unheated rooms to protect them from freezing or bursting.

Winter proof your home

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Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen at

any time of the year, but the danger is greater

during the winter. Any appliance in your home

that burns fuel may emit carbon monoxide.

Consider fitting an audible carbon monoxide

alarm which is EN50291 compliant – however,

fitting an alarm should not replace regular

maintenance of appliances.

Christmas safety

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Follow these safety tips to help prevent your festivities being cut short by a trip to casualty:

• Make sure you buy children's gifts for the correct age group and from reputable sources that comply with standards (e.g. The Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011)

• Remember to buy batteries for toys that need them - that way you won’t be tempted to remove batteries from smoke alarms

• Look out for small items that could pose a choking hazard to young children, including parts that have fallen off toys or from Christmas trees, button batteries and burst balloons

• Keep decorations and cards away from fires and other heat sources such as light fittings.

• Don’t leave burning candles unattended, make sure you put them out before going to bed and do not put candles on Christmas trees

Christmas lights safety

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If you have old lights, consider buying new ones which will meet much higher safety standards.

Buying • Look for safety marks e.g. BS Kitemark • Buy from a reputable store • Avoid buying second-hand unless you have them

professionally checked first • New lights are transformed down to 24 volt for added

safety, or they may be double insulated.

Checking • NEVER insert or remove bulbs when switched on • Inspect cables and bulbs for damage • Do not use lights which are damaged, dispose of them

safely.

Christmas lights safety (continued)

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Using • Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions • Use an RCD (residual current device) for added protection

against shock • Do not use the lights outdoors unless specifically made for

such use • Don't run the cable under carpets or where it can be

damaged • Keep lights clear of decorations and other flammable

materials • Avoid cables becoming a tripping hazard • Use a stable support when hanging the lights • Don't leave the lights on when the room is empty.

Remember to switch them off when you go to bed and when you go out of the house

• Don't allow children to play with the lights.

Christmas is no excuse for Drink Driving

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You can be over the limit to drive on less alcohol than you may think. If you’re out celebrating over the festive period, don’t drink if you’re driving.

Even a small amount of alcohol can affect your driving in a number of ways, including: • slower reactions • increased stopping distance • poorer judgment of speed and

distance • a reduced field of vision

Please keep yourself, your family and others safe.