Egis Lagan Services

Health & safety

Think safe. Work safe. Home safe.

Health and safety are at the core of everything we do. Our safety motto – Think Safe. Work Safe. Home Safe. – guides how we deliver our services every day. This approach depends on active involvement from every employee, with each person taking responsibility not only for their own safety and well-being but also for that of their colleagues.

We also provide comprehensive support through employee assistance programmes. These services are available 24/7 and cover emotional, physical and financial well-being, ensuring our people have the support they need, whenever they need it.

Motorway Safety and Travel Guidance FAQ

What should I do if my vehicle breaks down on the motorway?
A motorway is a high-risk environment due to fast-moving traffic. If your vehicle breaks down:
  • If possible, leave the motorway at the next exit.
  • If you cannot, indicate early and pull onto the hard shoulder as far left as possible.
  • Turn your steering wheel to the left, so the vehicle moves away from traffic if struck.
  • Maximise the distance between your vehicle and live traffic. Where safe, position the passenger side on the verge (this may not be possible in winter due to soft ground).
Once stopped:
  • Switch on your hazard lights.
  • Exit the vehicle by the passenger side only.
  • Wear a high-visibility vest, if available.
  • Move behind a safety barrier or to higher ground, away from the carriageway.
  • Do not attempt repairs, including changing a tyre, on the hard shoulder.
For assistance:
  • Contact the Motorway Operations Control Centre on 0818 715 100.
  • If you do not have a working mobile phone, use the nearest emergency roadside telephone, which connects directly to the Control Centre.
Operators can provide safety advice and arrange breakdown or emergency support.

Icy or snowy conditions

Driving in wintry conditions requires extra care and concentration.

  • Check local and national weather forecasts before traveling.
  • Clear all windows and mirrors before setting off.
  • Reduce speed and increase stopping distance — braking takes longer on icy roads.
  • Manoeuvre gently; avoid harsh braking or acceleration.
  • Use dipped headlights in poor visibility.
  • Check tyres (including the spare) for correct pressure and minimum tread depth of 1.6mm.

Severe wet and windy conditions

If travel is necessary:

  • Prepare your vehicle in advance and ensure your mobile phone is fully charged.
  • Check tyres, fuel levels and general roadworthiness.
  • Check national and local weather forecasts and alerts on road conditions.
  • Use dipped headlights in poor visibility.
    Fog lights should only be used when visibility is less than 100 metres.
  • Increase the distance to the vehicle in front — the 2-second rule becomes at least 4 seconds in wet conditions.
  • Be alert for strong gusts, particularly in exposed areas.
  • Never stop on a motorway to remove debris.
  • Avoid driving through surface water — depth may be unclear and hazards hidden.
  • Reduce speed to minimise the risk of aquaplaning particularly on roads where 100kmph/120kmph speeds apply.
  • Avoid using cruise control.
  • After driving through water, brake gently for a short distance to dry the brakes.

Fog

Fog significantly reduces visibility and increases collision risk.

  • Reduce speed and drive with extreme caution.
  • Use dipped headlights and fog lights where visibility is poor.
  • Do not use full beam headlights — they reduce visibility and dazzle other drivers.
  • As fog develops, check mirrors and slow gradually.
  • Avoid following the tail-lights of the vehicle ahead — this can lead to tailgating.
  • Watch for vehicles travelling without lights.
  • Keep your windscreen clear of mist and condensation.

Roadworks often involve reduced speed limits, narrow lanes and temporary layouts. Your actions protect both you and road workers.

Before and when approaching

  • Obey all temporary speed limits — they are mandatory and often enforced.
  • Watch Variable Message Signs (VMS) for lane closures and congestion warnings.
  • Move into the correct lane early.
  • Stay in lane and do not weave to overtake.

Driving through roadworks

  • Reduce speed gradually before entering the works.
  • Increase following distance beyond the normal 2-second rule.
  • Merge ‘in turn’ – like a zipper –  where lanes are closing.
  • Watch for hazards like construction vehicles, narrow lanes and changed layouts.
  • Focus on the road ahead — not the works.
  • Never drive through work zones or areas closed by cones or barriers.

Special situations

  • If you break down within roadworks, use emergency refuge areas or the hard shoulder where available.
  • Exit the vehicle by the passenger side and stand behind safety barriers.
  • Do not overtake convoy vehicles displaying “Convoy Vehicle – No Overtaking”.

Leaving roadworks

  • Do not accelerate until you have passed the “End of Roadworks” sign.

Key reminders

  • Slow down
  • Follow signs and speed limits
  • Merge in turn
  • Keep a safe distance from vehicle in front
  • Stay alert & focus on the road
  • Never enter work zones
  • Don’t overtake in restricted road works areas

RSA Mobile Lane Closures

RSA Motorway Safety

The RSA Motorway Safety campaign demonstrates when and how to change lanes correctly on a motorway. You should only use the hard shoulder in the case of an emergency, call for help and wait at a safe place, behind the barrier. Never ever walk on a motorway.

Motorway Safety

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