| What do you need to know? | | | | Existing |
| | | | |
| Companies can no longer take the risk of | | | | Health and Safety legislation is now more |
| ignoring their responsibilities withregard to | | | | likely to be used in a bid to reducethe |
| managing the risks associated with 'driving | | | | accident toll. Companies are now more likely |
| at work' Employers incorrectlyassume that | | | | to be investigated by the policeand HSE in |
| provided they comply with road traffic law | | | | the wake of a serious road traffic accident. |
| requirements, for examplecompany vehicles | | | | |
| have a valid MOT and fleet drivers hold a | | | | What do you need to do? |
| valid driving licence,this is enough to | | | | |
| ensure the safety of their employees, and | | | | In simple terms you should have a safety |
| others, when theyare on the road. | | | | management system for driving at workjust as |
| | | | you would for any other work related |
| What is the current Legislation? | | | | activity. This should include: |
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| The Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974 | | | | Comprehensive road safety policies supported |
| requires you to ensure, as far asis | | | | by top management. |
| reasonably practicable, the health and safety | | | | |
| of employees while at work. | | | | Road safety management procedures, including |
| | | | risk assessments for both driversand specific |
| Under the Management of Health and Safety at | | | | driving tasks. |
| Work Regulations 1992, amendedin 1999, | | | | |
| employers have a responsibility to manage | | | | Maintain and review accident statistics. Look |
| health and safety effectively. | | | | for common trends and risks. |
| | | | |
| You need to carry out an assessment of the | | | | Implement safe practices that eradicate or |
| risks to the health and safety ofyour | | | | minimise identified driving risks. |
| employees while they are at work, and to | | | | |
| other people who may be affectedby their work | | | | Ensure managers understand their role and |
| activities. This includes work-related | | | | responsibilities for managingroad risk and |
| driving activities. | | | | are able to apply company policy. |
| | | | |
| Employees driving on company business are | | | | Ensure drivers are given relevant |
| considered to be undertaking a workactivity | | | | information, training and supervisionto be |
| and the vehicle they are driving, regardless | | | | safe on the road. |
| of ownership, is regardedas a place of work. | | | | |
| | | | Regularly audit the safety of journeys and |
| The Health and Safety Commission recently | | | | amend policies and proceduresaccordingly if |
| issued a series of guidelines coveringthe | | | | new risks are identified. |
| employer's responsibility towards the | | | | |
| employee. This included the | | | | Does this include the use of private |
| recommendationthat every company appointed a | | | | vehicles? |
| director to look after health and safety - | | | | |
| includingdriving at work. | | | | Ownership of the vehicle is irrelevant. |
| | | | Companies have the same liability |
| Health and Safety law does not apply to | | | | forindividuals who drive their own vehicles |
| commuting, unless the employee is | | | | on company business as those who drivecompany |
| travellingfrom their home to a location for | | | | owned fleet vehicles. |
| business purposes, which is not their | | | | |
| usualplace of work. | | | | Don't be fooled into thinking that by |
| | | | abandoning the traditional company carin |
| Why is there a spotlight on this issue? | | | | favour of cash for car alternatives you can |
| | | | get rid of your duty of care |
| The Government has clearly indicated that it | | | | |
| intends to pursue a policy ofreducing road | | | | - you can't. |
| traffic accidents and has set tough targets. | | | | |
| Research has confirmedthat individuals | | | | In some respects the risks associated with |
| driving on company business are more likely | | | | the use of privately owned vehiclesare |
| than other roadusers to be involved in an | | | | greater. This is because you have less |
| accident resulting in death or serious | | | | control over things like maintenance,tyres |
| injury. Thereforethere is an increasing focus | | | | and suitability of the vehicle for the task. |
| by the authorities on work related driving. | | | | |