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Floods and bad weather - don't take risks
22 January 2008
As flood warnings hit Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Shropshire again and heavy snow falls make driving conditions dangerous in parts of the country, employers must have emergency procedures in place to deal with the increased risk.
Floods are once again hitting parts of the country that are only just recovering from the summer deluge.
Employers have a legal duty to ensure that the health and safety of all employees is protected during this period. It is not in anyone's interests to ask employees to risk their lives or health either through the effects of the floods themselves, or the aftermath.
At the time of the previous .floods, the TUC issued practical guidance emphasising the importance of avoiding driving through flood water or trying to wade through water, even if it looks quite shallow. Advice was also given on managing risks from damage to buildings, electical supplies etc. and on managing the clean-up after the water subsides.
If you work in an area that is at risk of flooding click here to read the TUC advice.
At the same time there are reports of heavy snowfall in the North East of England and South of Scotland with many roads closed. Members who drive delivery vehicles in areas where there is flooding or heavy snow need to be able to take extra care. If a journey is not safe because of the adverse weather conditions, managers should make it clear that they are not expected to take the risk. As flooding and road closures from heavy snow can be quite localised, it may not be possible for the manager at the depot to take the decision about whether or not a particular journey should be attempted. The policies in place should allow drivers to exercise their own judgement to cope with changing road conditions and should identify the steps the driver should take if they think it is necessary to change their route or to abandon the journey.
Contact Details
Health and Safety section
Ph: 0161 249 2441
Fax: 0161 249 2475
Email: healthandsafety@usdaw.org.uk
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