When the clocks go back in the autumn
there is an increased risk of certain
accidents and injuries.Paul Cartwright
offers some advice on the measures
that can be taken to reduce the risk of
incidents assocated with darke
When the clocks go back in the autumn
there is an increased risk of certain
accidents and injuries.Paul Cartwright
offers some advice on the measures
that can be taken to reduce the risk of
incidents assocated with darker days
Every autumn, clocks across the UK are rolled back an
hour. Mornings stay darker for longer, nights draw in
and for many, it heralds the start of winter.
The risks that arise when the clocks go back are serious enough
for the Government to have announced plans to investigate
extending British Summer Time throughout the year.
In its report Improving road safety for pedestrians and cyclists in
Great Britain the House of Commons Transport Committee
concluded that the period at the end of British Summer Time -
immediately after the clocks go back - is a particularly dangerous
period for road travel.
The Department goes further to say it has strong evidence that
more than 80 fewer people would be killed each year on the UK's
roads if the Government amended the arrangements for changing
the clocks in the winter and summer.
However slight, the Government report shows that darker
mornings and evenings, combined with colder and wetter
weather expected in autumn, increase the risks of having an
accident on the road.
In the first few days after the clocks go back, it is important
even if you are familiar with the route you take to work to be
extra vigilant, and look out for cyclists and pedestrians who may
be wearing darker-coloured clothing. Commuters who walk or
cycle should consider wearing high visibility clothing to help
drivers see them.
It's not just commuting to work in the dark that can cause
problems, but accidents can also happen in the workplace. This is
especially true for outdoor occupations such as construction,
farming and delivery services, which may be working in darkness
in the early morning and late evening.
Those working either mainly or partly outdoors should try to
schedule a later start in the mornings and earlier finish in the
evenings, as illuminating an outdoor workplace such as a farm or
site can be difficult.
If employees use vehicles such as forklift trucks in warehouses,
ensure that the vehicle is fitted with lights and is in good working
order.
Around the workplace, ensure car parks and pathways are welllit.
If staff are first to arrive in the morning, make sure they know
where interior light switches are located, so they don't have to
walk through an empty building in darkness to turn them on.
Ensure pathways are clear and interior spaces are tidy, and that
there are no boxes in the corridor, to avoid slips, trips and falls in
the low light. If there are dark areas in the workplace, consider
putting in lighting in these areas.
Finally, if you manage or are responsible for maintaining the
building, check any external lights are working, as they may not
have been used for a number of months. If lights are on a timer,
check that this is reset to reflect the time change. If the lighting
system works on sensors, check they are set correctly, ready for
use, and that any dead bulbs have been replaced.
The benefit of the clocks going back may be an extra hour in
bed, but failing to manage the risks associated with those darker
mornings and nights could result in some sleepless nights for
businesses.
Paul Cartwright is principal consultant at Aviva Risk Management
Solutions and has over 25 years experience in consultancy and training
specialising in particular in the NEBOSH National Certificate and
Diploma programmes
Aviva Risk Management Solutions are exhibiting on Stand 149 at
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