SQT Blog

As severe weather is due to hit us again, it’s good to refresh ourselves on advice for safe travelling. Some tips from the Health & Safety Authority:

Remember, where possible in adverse weather conditions:

Limit travel as far as possible to essential journeys only – ask yourself is the trip necessary?

For those with no option but to drive:

• Listen to weather forecasts, travel bulletins and any advice issued by An Garda Síochána or the Road Safety Authority. Change or delay your journey as appropriate.
• Plan you journey, stick to major routes where possible. Allow extra time for your journey.
• Inform someone such as your employer, manager or supervisor where you are going and your estimated arrival time so that an alarm can be raised if you fail to arrive.
• Turn your lights on to ensure that your vehicle is visible to other road users.
• Screen wash is filled with appropriate anti- freeze solution.
• Reduce your speed and drive according to the road and weather conditions, maintain greater stopping distances (double in wet weather and ten times greater in icy weather). Wear sunglasses (prescription glasses if required) if the sun is low.
• Avoid harsh braking or acceleration. Carry out any manoeuvres slowly and carefully.
• Never feel pressurised to complete a journey if weather conditions are too dangerous.

Ensure that your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition prior to driving. Check that:

• Tyres are in good conditions and inflated to the correct pressure (including the spare).
• You have plenty of fuel.
• Wipers, defrosters and lights are in good working order
• Ice-scraper or de-icer available for ice or snow.
•  Carry an emergency kit in your vehicle containing items such as:
  – A high visibility, reflective jacket or vest in the vehicle cab (so that you can put it on before you leave the vehicle).
  – A torch with extra batteries and
  – An emergency warning triangle.
  – A mobile phone – for use only when parked.

In cases where travel is unavoidable in extreme weather conditions, it is advisable to consider if you have the correct equipment at your disposal, such as:

• Warm clothing including hat, gloves and a warm blanket or sleeping bag.
• Boots.
• Food and warm drink in flask.
• Shovel and material for providing wheel traction if driving on soft ground or snow (such as chains, old carpet, sand, gravel or salt).

More information on driving in adverse road conditions is available on the Road Safety Authority website.

Drive safely this Christmas from all in SQT.

The world’s first standard on Social Responsibility was launched by The ISO (International Standards Organisation) at the beginning of November. The standard, ISO 26000:2010 Guidance on Social Responsibility will assist companies in their efforts to operate in a socially responsible manner. It provides companies in both the public and private sector with best practice guidance in social responsibility, taking into account societal, environmental, legal, cultural, and political and organisation diversity, as well as differences in economic considerations. ISO 26000 explains what Social Responsibility (SR) means, what issues a company needs to address in order to operate in a socially responsible manner, and what is best practice in implementing SR.

A recent survey of 100 of Ireland’s top CEOs has revealed that 86% believe that Corporate Responsibility can play a major role in rebuilding Ireland’s corporate reputation. The Ipsos MRBI survey carried out on behalf of Business in the Community Ireland, showed that 65% of companies plan to continue investing in Corporate Responsibility over the coming years, with two-thirds believing that, in a tougher business environment, Corporate Responsibility is providing a competitive advantage over other companies. (source)

How can you find out more? We have just launched a 0.5 day workshop, Introduction to ISO 26000:2010 Guidance for Social Responsibility. Priced at just €75, it could prove invaluable