FRT urges people to make health and safety a priority this winter

In the wake of yet more severe weather warnings from the Met Office, and following messages from the Department of Health to remain vigilant to the risks posed by extreme weather, First Response Training is urging people not to forget the basic principles of health and safety over the party season.

Perry Leeks, Managing Director at First Response, says: “Christmas and the New Year are, quite rightly, full of festivity and high spirits but we shouldn’t forget that accidents can still happen. Remaining healthy and safe should be a priority at all times of year, but people need to be especially risk-aware during icy weather and at busy periods.”

As one of the UK’s leading training providers, First Response works hard throughout the year to promote the message that health and safety is about more than just legal compliance and that health and safety regulations are there to protect people, not to cause difficulties.

During the first wave of snow and frost, the Department of Health urged people to check on the safety and wellbeing of people who may be at risk from the cold weather. They suggested measures such as checking on vulnerable people to make sure they are safe, well and warm enough and also stocking up on food, medicines and other necessities. They also encouraged people to remain vigilant to the risks posed to themselves during the period of severe weather.

As he launched “Winterwatch”, a weekly update bulletin to keep people informed about how to keep safe and how well the NHS is coping in the winter months, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley commented: “There is often more pressure on the NHS at this time of year. It deals with rises in slips, trips and falls, increases in admissions due to flu and other health problems associated with the colder weather and the winter vomiting bug norovirus. But the NHS is well prepared.”

Further weather warnings have since been issued, and First Response has responded by urging people to make themselves aware of health and safety guidance for the workplace, and also how to remain safe while out of work.

“People should be especially aware that surfaces may be slippery, and should take extra care to avoid falling. They should also keep in mind that vehicles may skid and that their stopping distances may be increased,” said Perry. “People should avoid making unnecessary journeys and should ensure that they are keeping themselves warm enough.”

Another issue to consider during the festive season is the increased risk of infection. Every year throughout England and Wales there are approximately 8,000 flu-related deaths during the winter months. The Department of Health has reported that the number of people having the free seasonal flu vaccine is lower than in previous years and they are now urging more people to take advantage of the vaccine to help prevent these avoidable deaths.

First Response Training, who offer an Infection Control training course, are advising people to follow basic precautions, such as frequent hand-washing, to try to reduce the spread of illnesses, including flu and norovirus.

Perry concluded: “Christmas should be a happy time and, to make sure it is, we all need to take extra care and remain vigilant and risk-aware so that it isn’t marred by accidents or ill-health.”