Driving in winter conditions
- As weather conditions deteriorate, please take extra care when driving
- Always adapt your driving to the conditions – reduce speed, increase stopping distances, and allow more time for journeys
- Avoid driving through flood water wherever possible; depth and road conditions can be deceptive and pose a serious risk to both personal safety and vehicles
- If conditions are unsafe, pause and reassess rather than taking unnecessary risks. Your safety comes first.
- Ensure tools, chemicals, and equipment are stored securely to prevent movement during braking or poor road conditions. Consider items in the boot or back of the van, as well as anything in the passenger space with you (such as fire extinguishers).
Upcoming ISO audits – February
- We have Quality and Environmental ISO audits scheduled for February. As a reminder, good day-to-day practices by all are key to ensure that we comply with the various requirements and deliver the service we promise to our customers.
- Follow relevant RAMS and task or job instructions, and ensure records (job sheets, checks, waste documentation) are completed accurately, in full, and on time
- Only use SMS-provided tools and equipment that are: assetted, calibrated, and maintained where applicable to ensure traceability and validity of work
- Manage environmental aspects responsibly: prevent spills, store chemicals correctly, segregate waste, and report any incidents or near misses promptly
- Keep vehicles, equipment, and PPE in good order and report defects immediately
- Drive efficiently and smoothly where conditions allow – avoiding harsh acceleration and braking reduces risk, fuel use, and vehicle wear
- Ensure that vehicles are kept in good condition and serviced/maintained as required, try to minimise carrying unnecessary tools or equipment
Communications and Information Security
- Please ensure your work-issued phone is switched on and carried during working hours. This is important so that:
- You can be contacted for operational, safety, or emergency reasons.
- Alerts, updates, and instructions reach you promptly.
- Communications are logged and managed through approved company systems.
- Personal phones should not be relied upon for work communications.
- Use of work devices for work data
- All work-related data, communications, photos, emails, and documents must only be created, stored, and shared using company-issued devices and systems. Personal devices must not be used for work purposes, using a work phone:
- Protects sensitive business and client information
- Supports data security, GDPR compliance, and audit requirements
- Ensures information can be accessed, retained, and managed correctly
- If you experience issues with your work phone or device, please report this to your line manager
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