Occupational road risk

What do you need to know?accident resulting in death or serious injury.
Companies can no longer take the risk of ignoringTherefore  there is an increasing focus
their responsibilities with  regard toby the authorities on work related driving. Existing
managing the risks associated with 'driving at Health and Safety legislation is now more
work' Employers incorrectly  assume thatlikely to be used in a bid to reduce  the
provided they comply with road traffic lawaccident toll. Companies are now more likely to be
requirements, for example  companyinvestigated by the police  and HSE in the
vehicles have a valid MOT and fleet drivers hold awake of a serious road traffic accident.
valid driving licence, Â this is enough toWhat do you need to do?
ensure the safety of their employees, and others,In simple terms you should have a safety
when they  are on the road.management system for driving at work Â
What is the current Legislation?just as you would for any other work related
The Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974activity. This should include:
requires you to ensure, as far as  isÂ
reasonably practicable, the health and safety of- Comprehensive road safety policies supported
employees while at work.by top management. Â
Under the Management of Health and Safety at- Road safety management procedures, including
Work Regulations 1992, amended  inrisk assessments for both drivers Â
1999, employers have a responsibility to manage  and specific driving tasks.
health and safety effectively. Â You needÂ
to carry out an assessment of the risks to the- Maintain and review accident statistics. Look for
health and safety of  your employeescommon trends and risks.  Â
while they are at work, and to other people who- Implement safe practices that eradicate or
may be affected  by their work activities.minimise identified driving risks.  Â
This includes work-related driving activities.- Ensure managers understand their role and
Employees driving on company business areresponsibilities for managing  Â
considered to be undertaking a work ÂÂ road risk and are able to apply company
activity and the vehicle they are driving,policy. Â
regardless of ownership, is regarded  as a- Ensure drivers are given relevant information,
place of work.training and supervision   Â
The Health and Safety Commission recentlyto be safe on the road. Â
issued a series of guidelines covering  the- Regularly audit the safety of journeys and
employer's responsibility towards the employee.amend policies and procedures  Â
This included the recommendation  that accordingly if new risks are identified.
every company appointed a director to look afterDoes this include the use of private vehicles?
health and safety - including  driving atOwnership of the vehicle is irrelevant. Companies
work.have the same liability for  individuals who
 Health and Safety law does not apply todrive their own vehicles on company business as
commuting, unless the employee is travellingthose who drive  company owned fleet
 from their home to a location forvehicles.  Don't be fooled into thinking that
business purposes, which is not their usualby abandoning the traditional company car
 place of work. in favour of cash for car alternatives
Why is there a spotlight on this issue?you can get rid of your duty of care  -
The Government has clearly indicated that ityou can't.
intends to pursue a policy of  reducingIn some respects the risks associated with the
road traffic accidents and has set tough targets.use of privately owned vehicles  are
Research has confirmed  that individualsgreater. This is because you have less control
driving on company business are more likely thanover things like maintenance, Â tyres and
other road  users to be involved in ansuitability of the vehicle for the task.