Jan 24 Vital NL

Jan 2024

SAFETY NEWSLETTER

vital.uk.com

Contents January 2024 Welcome

Page 3

Safety Matters / HSQE Team

Page 4

Work Safe, Home Safe

Page 5

Returning to work after the Festive Period

Page 6-8

Drug and alcohol (D&A) testing minimum 20% of all workers and includes of recreational drugs

Page 9

How to do a Digital Detox (and why you should try it)

Page 10-12

Quick tips to save energy

Page 13

Fleet Safety - Winter

Page 14-15

Safety Alerts

Page 16

Office Locations

Page 19

Welcome New Year Resolutions At New Year, people commit themselves to making improvements in their lives as the year draws to a close, getting ready for a fresh start in the New Year. A few common New Year’s resolutions include leading a healthier lifestyle, saving money or learning a new skill.

Just as individuals make goals to better themselves at the beginning of a fresh, new year, companies and individual workers should do the same. Vital resolve to protect both valuable workers and assets along with our clients on their work sites.

The importance of a safe work environment As we make resolutions to improve our operations going forward, we must not forget to take the time and reflect on the last year.

What we did right, what we did wrong and can improve. Where we find mistakes, we try to put them right and at the same time treat those as opportunities to learn from, and opportunities to improve for the future.

When it comes to workplace safety, discovering what is right for Vital is not always easy, we need to work with our clients to achieve improvements, but it is well worth the effort.

Looking at 2024, here are a few New Year’s resolutions for Vital that can help improve safety: Review what happened last year. We must understand the risks in our operations. We must learn from our mistakes.

Review our policies and processes after understanding what needs to be improved from last year, change our policies and processes and communicate them to all our workers.

Encourage the following of rules and procedures. Make sure all workers understand workplace safety procedures such as proper lifting techniques, how to use new equipment, wearing Personal protective equipment and reporting any unsafe working conditions.

Encourage more reporting. To understand how to improve safety, we need to know what is going on in the workplace. If incidents, accidents and close calls are reported, we can try and do something about it. We need to know about it first.

Pay strict attention to driving safety. No matter how often workers get behind the wheel for company purposes, in almost all cases, it’s by far your most dangerous activity — and the greatest source of fatalities in the UK. Eliminate taking shortcuts in processes or procedures. People are hard wired to take short cuts. We must make sure, along with our clients, that all workers understand workplace safety rules and procedures such as proper lifting techniques, how to use any equipment, correctly wearing personal protective equipment and reporting any unsafe working conditions.

Be a role model. We all influence those around us, especially if you are a COSS or supervisor. We must resolve to be a strong role model for safety. we set the tone, and if our behaviour reflects the importance of doing things right, others will follow you.

Unfortunately, the opposite will also be true. Make preventing accidents and injuries one of your top priorities in 2024.

Have a happy and safe New Year Gareth Morris Group Director, Health, Safety, Quality and Environmental Compliance 3

Safety Matters Created specifically for our workforce; a multi platform mobile app that has been designed for users to ensure they can report a close call at any time and any place.

Features Include: Simple - Add the information to the form provided and submit Direct - All close calls reported through the app are sent instantly to our Health and Safety mailbox Photograph - Upload supporting images Offline - No network connection required, use the app anywhere

Safety Matters The Close Call Reporting App Available to download NOW!

HSQE Team

My Idea How would you improve safety?

HSQE Director Gareth Morris, Morson International - Manchester Gareth.Morris@morson.com 07736 657 039

HSE Adviser and Safety Unit Keith Wright Keith.Wright@vital.uk.com 07717 306 775

HSE Adviser and Safety Unit (North) Jane Hepburn – Manchester, Solutions, Milton Keynes (North) Doncaster, Market Rasen and Birmingham Jane.Hepburn@vital.uk.com 07717 306 797

HSE Adviser and Safety Unit (South) Alex Wilson - Cardiff, Farnham, Milton Keynes (South) and Canning Town.

Alex.Wilson@vital.uk.com 07717 306 811

What are your ideas for innovation?

What would you change?

To be in with the chance to with £100 worth of gift vouchers, email us your ideas at: MYIDEA@VITAL.UK.COM

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Work safe, Home Safe What do we mean by Work Safe, Home Safe?

We mean that we are fit and prepared for work. At work we work safely with our colleagues and follow the rules. We go home in a safe condition, free from harm.

How do we go about it?

We follow 5 Brilliant Basics 1. Be fit and ready for work, physically and mentally 2. Always follow the rules – no short cuts 3. If unsure, Take Five, stop work and ask 4. If anything is unsafe, Take Five, stop work and report 5. Treat each day like Day 1, do not be complacent

What are we doing behind the scenes to make us successful at what we do?

1. We put people at the centre of what we do 2. We analyse mistakes very rigorously 3. We try to create an open atmosphere where everyone can speak up 4. We are willing to fix what is wrong if it is under our control 5. We relentlessly pursue new work and new opportunities 6. We never give in to complacency

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Returning to work after the Festive Period The Christmas season is a time for celebration, relaxation, and spending quality time with loved ones. Some of us are off during the “shut-down”, some of us remain working to carry out essential maintenance for the infrastructure, as well as providing our services to our clients who may still need to operate during the festive period! Whichever may be applicable to our workers, it’s crucial that during any potential days off (weekends/bank holidays) we make the most of our time and relax, we’ve all earned it this year.

One thing that we must take into consideration though, is our return to normal duties following the festive period. Unfortunately in recent years, 25% of our overall injuries have occurred in January following the full return of all of our workers! (Data from 2021 & 2022).

This is because the break can disrupt routines - Prolonged rest or time off work can disrupt an individual's circadian rhythms, which are the body's internal clock that regulates sleep and wake cycles. Returning to work on a different schedule, such as switching from days to nights, can lead to fatigue and reduced alertness. Leading up to our return, or even following a long weekend off, it’s important that we gradually transition our sleeping pattern, shifting your sleep schedule 15-30 minutes per day if possible, moving toward your desired night shift pattern, this can give your body time to adjust! Staying hydrated, limit caffeine and alcohol use leading up to your return, prioritise sleep and avoid over exerting yourself whilst trying to transition back into a consistent routine.

It’s important that we refresh ourselves with our training and safety guidelines for whatever works we might be doing. Spending time before the first shift (and every shift for the first couple of weeks) to remember how our works are coordinated and carried out safely will help massively to reduce the risk of incidents occurring! Establish clear lines of communication and ensure that all team members are informed about changes in the work schedule, safety guidelines, and any potential hazards.

As much as the time off and time with our family and friends is important for our mental health, when were ready to come back, we need to be 100%. Work incidents that occur following a long period of rest can be attributed to several factors, and while it's not universally true for all types of work, studies show that some of the points covered below certainly relate to our industry.

Reduced Awareness and Alertness: After a prolonged period of rest, individuals may experience reduced alertness and awareness when they return to work. This can result in slower reaction times and decreased ability to recognise and respond to potential hazards. Of course, getting adequate rest can help, but we must take into consideration some additional points: Avoid overexertion to help manage fatigue and stay alert. Avoid caffeine and sugar; although caffeine can provide a temporary boost in alertness, use it strategically to avoid potential energy crashes.

Prioritise safety; ensuring you are up to date on safety alerts and safety procedures to maintain a high level of awareness of the potential workplace hazards.

Maintain a positive attitude; a positive attitude can improve your mental alertness, focus on the task at hand and stay engaged in your work!

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Reduced Familiarity: Extended breaks from work can lead to a reduction in familiarity with work tasks, equipment, and safety protocols. Workers may need time to make themselves familiar again with their job duties, which can increase the risk of errors and accidents.

Regularly Communicate with Supervisors; maintain open and regular communication with your supervisors. They can provide guidance and support as needed, ensuring that you have the necessary resources and knowledge to perform your job effectively. The same goes for your colleagues! Don’t be afraid to seek the guidance of more experienced colleagues or mentors to help you get back into the groove.

Review and Refresh Skills; before returning to your site, take some time to review and refresh your railway/track skills and knowledge. This may include reading through manuals, attending refresher training, or practicing basic techniques Lack of Preparation: Workers returning to work after a break may not prepare enough for the return! This can include not being prepared with your documents; site information; PPE… the list goes on!

Check before you leave; on your first shift back (or even beforehand would be best) its important that you check all of your certification to ensure that you have everything you need to start right the first time! Sentinel; Small Tools; Track Certificates and all additional documents you may need for your works. Anything expired or due to expire? Get in touch with your manager and get this fixed as soon as you return. Double check your PPE, is it clean? Is it all available? If you use a face fitted mask – are you clean shaven? Make sure everything is in your bag or vehicle so when you arrive to site you’re ready to go! Don’t forget to check your site information and attendance times well in advance so you can prepare your journey to avoid any complications with traffic.

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Personal New Year Safety Resolution Be fit for work, be ready for work.

Follow the rules, no short cuts.

If unsure, Take Five and ask.

Stop and report anything unsafe.

Treat each day like day 1, do not be complacent.

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Disturbance of Circadian Rhythms: Prolonged rest or time off work can disrupt an individual's circadian rhythms, which are the body's internal clock that regulates sleep and wake cycles. Returning to work on a different schedule, such as switching from days to nights, can lead to fatigue and reduced alertness.

Below we go over some great tips which may help you prepare your rhythm for the change back to your normal working hours.

Gradual Transition; The key to a smooth transition is to do it gradually. Start by shifting your sleep schedule by 15-30 minutes per day, moving toward your desired night shift hours. This will give your body time to adjust without causing extreme sleep deprivation.

Adjust Your Environment; Prepare your sleeping environment to be conducive to daytime sleep. Invest in blackout curtains to block out natural light, and use earplugs or white noise machines to reduce daytime noise disturbances.

Plan Your Meals; Plan your meals strategically. Avoid large, heavy meals close to bedtime, as they can disrupt sleep. Instead, opt for light, balanced meals that won't leave you feeling too full or hungry during your night shift.

Prioritise Sleep; Recognize the importance of sleep and prioritise it in your daily life. Make sure to get at least 7-9 hours of quality sleep per day to support your overall health and well-being.

Avoid Overexertion; While transitioning, try to avoid strenuous activities or overexerting yourself during the first few days on night shift. This can help minimize fatigue and allow your body to adapt more easily.

Stay Hydrated; Proper hydration is essential for your health and alertness. Drink plenty of water throughout your shift, but be cautious about drinking too much right before bed to prevent frequent bathroom trips.

Should you continue to struggle with the transition despite following some of these guidelines, consider seeking advice from a healthcare professional or a sleep specialist.

Returning to work following the Christmas break should not be taken lightly. Prioritising safety and taking necessary measures to prevent accidents and incidents is paramount. By refreshing safety training, conducting thorough equipment inspections, performing hazard assessments, and fostering a culture of safety, workers can reduce the likelihood of accidents and incidents in the workplace.

Adopting good safety habits immediately following the break ensures that everyone can work in a secure and productive environment, promoting the well-being of all involved.

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Drug and alcohol (D&A) testing minimum 20% of all workers and includes of recreational drugs In accordance with Network Rail standard for drug and alcohol testing, the range of drugs that can be tested for has been further expanded in regards to recreational drugs.

Drug and alcohol testing across the rail industry is carried-out because traveling to and from work and performing work under the influence of alcohol or certain drugs brings a significant safety risk to colleagues and passengers. Consequently, all workers are subject to D&A testing at any time.

D&A testing Workers will be tested ‘for cause’ following an accident or incident.

Workers will be tested ‘unannounced’ where there is suspicion if anyone being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Workers will be tested ‘random unannounced’ in accordance with Network Rail’s standard for random unannounced D&A screening. This is minimum 20% of all workers.

The consequence of failing any drug and alcohol test is dismissal and a five-year suspension on Sentinel.

Testing includes recreational drugs.

Prescribed medication Any worker who is prescribed medication must disclose this information to the branch responsible for organising their work.

The branch will contact Chemist on Call service to get advice whether it is safe to continue working in the role being offered to you Ask for help if you have a problem Vital can provide support to any worker that requires help.

Any worker who is concerned about drug or alcohol issues should immediately contact the branch responsible for organising their work, declare the issue and ask for help.

If drug or alcohol misuse is not declared before being asked to take any D&A test the worker will not have a defence in the event of a positive result i.e. FAIL. There are many organisations and support groups offering support and assistance to anyone who is struggling with alcohol or drug abuse. Please do not suffer in silence, ask for support.

Further help www.al-anonuk.org.uk www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk addiction www.nhs.uk/drug-addiction-help

Support for family and friends of alcoholics.

Support for anyone with alcohol dependency or NHS support and care for drug addiction.

Highlighting the consequences of drug and alcohol abuse and being aware of the support available is important to keep the railway infrastructure, workers and passengers safe. Please share with your colleagues.

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How to do a Digital Detox (and why you should try it) A digital detox refers to a period of time when a person refrains from using tech devices such as smartphones, televisions, computers, tablets, and social media sites. “Detoxing” from digital devices is often seen as a way to focus on real-life social interactions without distractions. By forgoing digital devices, at least temporarily, people can let go of the stress that stems from constant connectivity. Before you decide if it is right for you, consider some of the potential benefits and methods of doing a digital detox.

Reasons for a Digital Detox For many people, being connected and immersed in the digital world is just a part of everyday life. According to research the average adult spends around 11 hours each day listening to, watching, reading, or interacting with media. There are many reasons why you might want to give up your mobile phone and other devices for a brief time. You might want to enjoy time to yourself without the interference that your phone and other devices create. In other cases, you might feel like your device use has become excessive and is adding too much stress to your life.

What the Research Says Technology can be stressful While people often feel that they can't imagine life without their tech devices, research and surveys have found that technology use can also contribute to stress. For many, it is the ever-present digital connection and constant need to keep checking emails, texts, and social media that accounted for the majority of this tech stress. One study conducted by researchers in Sweden found that heavy technology use among young adults was linked to sleeping problems, depressive symptoms, and increased stress levels.

Digital Devices Can Disrupt Sleep Evidence also suggests that heavy device use, particularly prior to bedtime, can interfere with sleep quality and quantity. Researchers have also found that in-bed electronic social media use has adverse effects on sleep and mood. The study found that 70% of participants checked social media on their phones while in bed, with 15% spending an hour or more on social media while in bed. The results found that using social media when you are in bed at night increases the likelihood of anxiety, insomnia, and shorter sleep duration.

How Your Smartphone Affects Your Brain Constant Connectivity Affects Work/Life Balance That feeling of always being connected can make it difficult to create boundaries between your home life and work life. Even when you are at home or on vacation, it can be hard to resist the temptation to check your email, respond to a text from a colleague, or check in on your social media accounts. In a study published in the journal Applied Research in Quality of Life, researchers found that technology use played a role in determining an individual's work-life balance. The study suggested that the use of internet and mobile technologies influenced overall job satisfaction, job stress, and feelings of overwork.

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Social Comparison Makes It Hard to Be Content If you spend time on social media, you have probably found yourself comparing your own life to your friends, family, total strangers, and celebs. You might find yourself thinking that everyone else seems to be leading a fuller, richer, or more exciting life based on the tiny, curated glimpse you see on their Instagram or Facebook posts. As the saying goes, comparison really can be the thief of joy. Detoxing from your social connections can be a good way to focus on what’s important in your own life without comparing yourself to others.

The Stress of Social Comparison Digital Connectivity Can Make You Feel Like You’re Missing Out Fear of missing out, known as FOMO, is the fear that you are missing the experiences that everyone else is having. Constant connectivity can feed this fear. Every time you see a curated image or post about someone else’s life, it can leave you feeling as if your life is less exciting than theirs. You might find yourself overcommitting to social events out of the fear that you’ll be left behind. FOMO can also keep you constantly checking your device out of fear that you are going to miss an important text, DM, or post. Doing a digital detox is one way to set limits and reduce your fear of missing out. The key is to do it in a way that doesn’t leave you feeling cut off from what’s happening in your digital world.

Signs you might need a Digital Detox You feel anxious or stressed out if you can't find your phone You feel compelled to check your phone every few minutes You feel depressed, anxious, or angry after spending time on social media You are preoccupied with the like, comment, or reshare counts on your social posts You’re afraid that you'll miss something if you don't keep checking your device You often find yourself staying up late or getting up early to play on your phone You have trouble concentrating on one thing without having to check your phone

How to do a Digital Detox Detaching from your devices can benefit your mental well-being, but doing a digital detox does not have to involve a complete separation from your phone and other tech connections. The process is often more about setting boundaries and making sure that you are using your devices in a way that benefit, rather than harm, your emotional and physical health.

Be Realistic Being completely disconnected can feel liberating and refreshing for some people. For a lot of people, completely forgoing all forms of digital communication might not be possible, particularly if you really do rely on staying connected for work, school, or other obligations. This doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the benefits of a digital detox; the key is to make disconnecting something that works for your schedule and your life.

If you need your devices during the day for your job, try doing a mini-detox at the end of the workday. Pick a time when you want to turn off your devices, and then focus on spending an evening completely free of things like social media, texting, online videos, and other electronic distractions.

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Remove Distractions Another way to start your digital detox is to turn off push notifications on your phone. Many social media apps including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and news websites send alerts every single time you get a message, mention, or new post. Rather than checking certain apps or websites every time a new story or post hits, set aside a specific time each day when you’ll check your messages or mentions. Then set aside a certain amount of time, around 20 or 30 minutes, to devote to catching up and sending responses.

You might find that it's helpful to leave your phone behind for at least a brief time. Studies have found that the mere presence of a mobile device, even if you aren’t actively using it, lowers empathy levels and decreased conversation quality when interacting with other people, a phenomenon researchers have dubbed ‘the iPhone effect.’

Make It Work for You A digital detox can be whatever you want it to be and can take many forms.

Some ideas that you might consider trying: A digital fast: Try giving up all digital devices for a short period of time, such as a day or up to a week Recurrent digital abstinence: Pick one day of the week to go device-free A specific detox: If one app, site, game, or digital tool is taking up too much of your time, focus on restricting your use of that problematic item A social media detox: Focus on restricting or even completely eliminating your social media use for a specific period of time Digital Detox Tips Some people find giving up their devices fairly easy. Others will find it much more difficult and even anxiety-provoking at times. There are some things that you can do to ensure that your digital detox is more successful: Let your friends and family know that you are on a digital detox and ask for their help and support Find ways to stay distracted and keep other activities on hand Delete social media apps from your phone to reduce temptation and easy access Try getting out of the house; go to dinner with friends or go for a walk when you are tempted to use your device Keep a journal to track your progress and write down your thoughts about the experience Going device-free can be uncomfortable and stressful at times. You might feel annoyed, anxious, and even bored without your mobile phone and other tech tools. While it may be hard, it can be a rewarding experience that will help you better understand your relationship with your devices and be more present and mindful in your other activities and experiences.

Source: verywellmind

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Quick tips to save energy Switch off standby You can save around £35 a year just by remembering to turn your appliances off standby mode. Almost all electrical and electronic appliances can be turned off at the plug without upsetting their programming. You may want to think about getting a standby saver which allows you to turn all your appliances off standby in one go. Check the instructions for any appliances you aren’t sure about. Some satellite and digital TV recorders may need to be left plugged in so they can keep track of any programmes you want to record.

Careful in your kitchen You can save around £22 a year from your energy bill just by using your kitchen appliances more carefully: Cut back your dishwasher use by just one cycle per week and save £8 a year on energy. Cut back your washing machine use by just one cycle per week and save £8 a year on energy.

Only fill the kettle with the amount of water that you need and save around £6 a year Get a head If you’ve got a shower that takes hot water straight from your boiler or hot water tank (rather than an electric shower), fit a water efficient shower head.

This will reduce your hot water usage while retaining the sensation of a powerful shower. A water efficient shower head could save a four person household (eg a family of four or even a shared student flat) as much as £30 a year on gas for water heating, as well as a further £45 a year on water bills if they have a water meter.

Spend less time in the shower Spending one minute less in the shower each day will save up to £4 a year off your energy bills, per person.

With a water meter this could save a further £7 off annual water and sewerage bills. If everyone in a four-person household did this it would lead to a total saving of £47 a year.

Draught-proofing Unless your home is very new, you will lose some heat through draughts around doors and windows, gaps around the floor, or through the chimney.

Professional draught-proofing of windows, doors and blocking cracks in floors and skirting boards can cost around £200, but can save around £25 a year on energy bills. DIY draught proofing can be much cheaper. Installing a chimney draught excluder could save around £18 a year as well.

Take control of your heating More than half the money spent on fuel bills goes towards providing heating and hot water. Installing a room thermostat, a programmer and thermostatic radiator valves and using these controls efficiently could save you around £70 a year and cut your carbon emissions by 300kg. If you already have a full set of controls, turning down your room thermostat by just one degree can save around £55 a year and reduce your carbon footprint by 300kg. Whatever the age of your boiler the right controls will allow you to: Set your heating and hot water to come on and off when you need them. Heat only the areas of your home that need heating. Set the temperature for each area of your home.

Switch to LEDs You can now get LED spotlights that are bright enough to replace halogens, as well as regular energy saving bulbs (‘compact fluorescent lamps’ or CFLs). They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and fittings. If the average household replaced all of their bulbs with LEDs, it would cost about £145 and save about £30 a year on bills.

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Fleet Safety - Winter Winter is coming and it's important to be prepared - and that doesn't just mean making sure your vehicle is ready.

Your own driving behaviour and style is just as vital to staying safe on the road when the bad weather hits.

In normal dry road conditions, the two-second rule to the car in front still applies, but in wet weather you need to double this, while in icy conditions this should be up to 10 times greater.

These extended distances are crucial in poor conditions where the road is slippery. Never think that your reaction times will save you when you're driving too close to the vehicle in front.

Remember while you might be comfortable with adverse conditions, others around you might not.

Drink driving With Christmas approaching, the number of social events that we attend during the festive period increase.

Remember that the alcohol limit for drivers in the UK is 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.

There is no fool proof way of drinking and staying under the limit. How much alcohol you have to push you over the limit will vary from person to person and depends on various factors: Weight, gender and age are just a few.

Remember, if you have had a drink the night before you could still be over the limit!

The only safe way of knowing that you are underneath the legal limit is simple. Do not drink and drive at all!

Before you set off Allow extra time for winter journeys.

Try to get up at least 10 minutes early to give you time to de-ice the car.

Check fuel levels - keep at least a quarter of a tank in case of unexpected delay.

Don't drive off like a tank-commander, with a tiny hole cleared in the windscreen.

Clear all windows using a scraper and deicer.

Where possible plan routes to favour major roads which are more likely to be cleared and gritted Low sun Low sun, especially during sunrise and sunset, can create intense glare that significantly impairs visibility on the road. The angle of the sun during these times aligns perfectly with our line of sight, causing a blinding effect that makes it difficult to see other vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles ahead.

Use sunglasses: Invest in high-quality sunglasses with polarized lenses to reduce glare. Keep them within easy reach in your car, ensuring you can quickly put them on when needed.

Keep windshield clean: A clean windshield is essential to minimize glare. Make sure your windshield is free from dirt, streaks, and smudges, both inside and out. Dirty glass can intensify the blinding effect of the sun.

Increase following distance: Maintain a safe following distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This extra space provides you with more reaction time in case the vehicle in front suddenly stops.

Adjust your speed: Drive at a speed that allows you to react quickly to unexpected situations. Slowing down slightly in low sun conditions gives you more time to assess the road ahead and make necessary manoeuvres.

Use your visor: Lower your car's sun visor to block out direct sunlight. You can also angle it to the side to further reduce glare coming from the side windows.

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Snow and ice Take it slow - with stopping distances 10 times longer, gentle manoeuvres are the key to safe driving in ice and snow.

High winds Gusts are more likely on open stretches of road, when passing bridges or gaps in hedges, or when overtaking high-sided vehicles. Wind can bring down tree branches, blow you off course or blow other vehicles into your path. Keep your speed down, take extra care when around Cyclists and Motorbikes Heavy rain & floods Driving fast through water is dangerous, inconsiderate and can end up being very expensive. Your tyres can lose contact with the road, causing you to lose steering control - called aquaplaning. If you feel it happening, hold the steering lightly and lift off to slow down gently until your tyres grip again.

At anything above a slow crawl you'll throw water onto pavements, soaking pedestrians or cyclists. It is not only a lack of care from Pedestrians and cyclist it could also get you a fine and points on your licence for this.

If you break down don't prop the bonnet open while you wait. Rain-soaked electrics can make it harder to start the engine.

Be prepared!

Breakdowns are more common in the winter and road conditions can be really challenging, especially when snow and ice strike.

No matter how well equipped your own car is, if a lorry jack-knifes ahead of you, you'll be stuck along with everyone else, so if you're driving, pack a winter emergency kit, just in case.

Keep in your car throughout the winter: 1. Warm clothing, hat, gloves, scarf & footwear 2. Water proof jacket 3. in car charger or power pack 4. Sunglasses 5. "First Aid' kit 6. Blanket, rug or sleeping bag 7. Shovel 8. Ice scraper and de-icer 9. Torch and batteries 10. Snacks - chocolate or cereal bars 11. Drinks - water or juice 12. Extra screen wash Modern cars come with climate control, heated seats and powerful windscreen wipers, so its easy to be lulled into a false sense of security.

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Office Locations Manchester (Head Office) T: 0161 836 7000 E: HeadOffice@vital.uk.com

Abercynon T: 01443 809 950 E: Abercynon@vital.uk.com

Bellshill T: 01698 840 950 E: BellshillRail@vital.uk.com

The Mill, South Hall Street, off Ordsall Lane, Salford, Manchester, M5 4TP

G16/17 Ty Cynon, Navigation Park, Abercynon, CF45 4SN

10 James Street, Righead Industrial Estate, Bellshill, Lanarkshire ML4 3LU

Cardiff T: 029 2083 9955 E: Cardiff@vital.uk.com

Birmingham T: 0121 809 3010 E: birminghamrail@vital.uk.com

Crewe T: 01270 906 130 E: Crewe@vital.uk.com

The Laurels, Heol Y Rhosog, Springmeadows Business Park, Rumney, Cardiff, CF3 2EW

Olton Wharf 7-9 Richard Road Solihull West Midlands B92 7RN

6 Solway Court Crewe Business Park Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 6LD

Derby T: 01332 982 470 E: Derby@vital.uk.com

Doncaster T: 01302 244450 E: Doncasterrail@vital.uk.com

Farnham T: 01252 964 020 E: Farnham@vital.uk.com

Ground Floor, Room 30 Derwent Caxtor House, RTC Business Park, Derby, DE24 8UP

First Floor Offices, Carr House, Heavens Walk, Doncaster, DN4 5HZ

Unit 10, Guildford Road Trading Estate, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 9PZ

Market Rasen T: 01302 308 080 E: MarketRasen@vital.uk.com

Newcastle T: 0191 300 0433 E: Newcastle@vital.uk.com

London T: 0203 963 5080 E: CanningTown@vital.uk.com

Unit 2, Gallamore Lane Ind. Estate, Market Rasen, LN8 3HZ

Spaceworks, Benton Park Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE7 7LX

Unit 10, Canning Town Business Park, Stephenson Street, London, E16 4SA

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Safety Newsletter January 2024

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