Business travel

Snow safety for business travellers 

Adverse weather conditions have caused travel chaos around the UK – and a rise in A&E admissions. If you’re worried about business-traveller safety, read on.

It might look lovely to start with, but for many, all the pristine white, fluffy snow we’ve been having has caused no end of travel problems.

From cancelled trains and flights to gridlocked roads and ice-bound pavements, the disruption the weather has caused has cost UK businesses £600 million a day.

Business travellers are affected more than most, since travel is essential to their jobs – but with the freezing conditions sending admissions to accident and emergency units through the roof, what’s the best way to get around safely?

Tim Hutchful, of the British Chiropractic Association, offers a few hints on how to stay safe – and the right way up – through the winter weather. No snow shoes required.

These boots were made for walking

No matter how unsightly, shoes with some traction on the soles to help stop you slipping are essential...

Your first line of defense in the snow should be sensible footwear. No matter how unsightly, shoes with some traction on the soles to help stop you slipping are essential – carry a pair of ‘work shoes’ in your bag that you can put on once indoors.

“While Wellingtons can be practical,” says Tim, “they often don’t give you enough support and can be difficult to take off. Avoid walking outside in leather-soled shoes and, if you’re driving, change your shoes if possible so your feet don’t slip on the pedals.”

Perfect your look

A hat, scarf, pair of gloves and, of course, a good winter coat are a prerequisite. If they are good enough quality you can wear them over your smart work clothes, without the need to layer up with every piece of thermal knitwear you’ve ever owned in order to be warm – never a good meeting look. The only proviso here is to carry a comb with you at all times in order to sort the dreaded ‘hat hair’, pre-meeting.

This get-up can also offer a bit of padding should you fall. As Tim advises: “A hat can act a bit like a crash helmet and reduce the force of any knock to the head. Likewise, you’re less likely to have your hands in your pockets if you’re wearing gloves, which may help if you slip.”

Slip-sliding away

Whatever you do, don’t rush – icy roads and pavements are no friend of the tardy. Leave plenty of time for your journey, and plan ahead if you’re making an unfamiliar trip.

“If you do fall,” says Tim, “try to curl up and ‘roll’ with the fall, staying relaxed to minimize any jarring to your body. And while it may be an automatic reaction, try to avoid putting your hands out to save you – this may cause wrist injuries.”

And if you are running late, far better to phone ahead to warn the person you’re meeting. “Be patient, don’t hurry and watch out for parts of the pavement or road that may have been in shadow or under trees, where there is more likely to be black ice,” says Tim. 

Don’t feed your thirst

If you’re away on business, step away from the free bar. Not only will alcohol make you more inclined to take risks, but it will make you less responsive to dangerous situations and more unsteady on your feet – not a good idea when the hotel car park resembles an ice rink.

“Your best bet is to keep topped up with warm drinks to keep your temperature up,” says Tim.

Planes, trains and snowmobiles

The best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all, if you can avoid it... 

The best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all, if you can avoid it. If you must head out in the car, make sure your car is equipped with a blanket, shovel and first-aid kit.

In general, it’s a good idea to travel with a snack and plenty of water with you in case you’re stranded for any length of time – whatever the form of transport. Cash and a fully charged phone are a necessity, too.

Finally, check ahead, with rail operators, the AA and airlines to see if your route has been disrupted – and give yourself extra travel time, too. Good luck!

This feature was written by DialExpotel for Expotel, the UK’s leading hotel, travel and venue booking agency. To find out more about Expotel mentioned, call 0844 793 7300.

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