Now is the time when many of us are decking out our homes ready to celebrate the festive period. However, if you have old Christmas lights, seriously consider buying new ones, which will meet much higher safety standards.

Please remember - accidents need not happen, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from injury by following RoSPA's safety advice, which covers the buying, checking, using and storing of Christmas lights.

Roger Bibbings, RoSPA Occupational Safety Adviser, has written an article outlining some points to consider in relation to in-company training. Click here to read the article, and here to find out more about RoSPA’s in-company training solutions.

Alternatively, call 0121 248 2233 and talk to a member of our in-company training team.

Hear Robin Dobson’s presentation on what we have learned to date in this crucial area. Director and Fellow of The Association for Project Safety, he has over 20 years experience in the fields of Local Government, Petro-chemical and Construction Health and Safety. A chartered member of IOSH Robin is an experienced Planning Supervisor with 10 years experience in projects varying from large science/business parks to small school extensions

Make sure you’re up to date and learn from a programme of expert speakers

With over 100 pages of safety solutions, the new 2007 catalogue includes:

Training Courses Regional Course Locations Consultancy Services Driver and Fleet Solutions Posters, Publications and Videos/DVDs

To request your FREE copy email us your full name, your job title and your organisation name, address and telephone number. Copies will be dispatched early in the New Year.

Please note that subscribers to RoSPA’s Occupational Safety and Health Journal will automatically receive a copy in the January edition.

Beautifully shot by the BBC crews in the Kalahari, this DVD offers an engaging approach to such topics as teamwork, inter-dependence, safety instinct, prioritisation and the importance of communication. This refreshing DVD will grab the attention of trainees, make them smile and show just how much we can learn from these clever creatures.

Click here to buy online or call 0121 248 2233 to request a preview.

Poster Sale – Last Chance to Buy!

Don’t forget that RoSPA’s range of laminated workplace safety posters is currently reduced by 10%.

RoSPA Members can buy 20” x 30” posters for just £8.46 and non-members for £9.72, but this offer is only available for one more week!

This Christmas, buy your loved ones a gift that will really make a difference - enhanced driving/riding skills! RoSPA is now able to offer a range of Gift Vouchers, to suit the different needs of friends and family members. Choose from:

Gift Voucher 1 - Experienced Driver Assessment
Ideal for all those who would welcome the opportunity to review their driving skills.

Gift Voucher 2 - The Ultimate Driving/Riding Test
A great gift for all those drivers and riders who just want the chance to prove how good they are!

Gift Voucher 3 - Advanced Driver Training
Advanced driving tuition for anyone wishing to enhance their skills or increase their confidence.

Skidding can generally be avoided through good observation and anticipation - and smooth use of the vehicle's controls.

Your risk of skidding increases if your tyres do not have adequate tyre depth. The legal minimum tread depth for cars and light vehicles in the UK is 1.6mm, but for safety RoSPA recommends 3mm. If you are unsure about the tread depth of the tyres, get them checked by a professional.

Correct tyre pressure is also very important. Under-inflated tyres will increase your fuel consumption. Over-inflated tyres will reduce your grip on the road, making it vital that you reduce your speed.

It is better to avoid skidding rather than hope you can control a skid when it happens. Such a hope is rarely realised.

Click here for more tips

Organisations wishing to share their latest news with the safety community can contact us for details on adding their message to Safety Connections, or sponsoring an issue.

RoSPA is an independent charity and a uniquely comprehensive safety organisation. As a RoSPA Member you will be supporting our mission to save lives through preventing accidents in all walks of life. RoSPA Members also enjoy a range of benefits to help you to achieve your own safety goals, so join RoSPA today and see how we can help you.

You can also support RoSPA by arranging fundraising activities, or through a simple donation. RoSPA also have many sponsorship opportunities.