Protect your workers with the right equipment


Occupational road risk

What  do  you  need  to  know?Existing
Companies can no longer take the risk ofHealth and Safety legislation is now more
ignoring their responsibilities withregard tolikely to be used in a bid to reducethe
managing the risks associated with 'drivingaccident toll. Companies are now more likely
at work' Employers incorrectlyassume thatto be investigated by the policeand HSE in
provided they comply with road traffic lawthe  wake of a serious road traffic accident.
requirements, for examplecompany vehicles
have a valid MOT and fleet drivers hold aWhat  do  you  need  to  do?
valid driving licence,this is enough to
ensure the safety of their employees, andIn 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:
The Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974Comprehensive road safety policies supported
requires you to ensure, as far asisby  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 atdriving  tasks.
Work Regulations 1992, amendedin 1999,
employers have a responsibility to manageMaintain and review accident statistics. Look
health  and  safety  effectively.for  common  trends  and  risks.
You need to carry out an assessment of theImplement safe practices that eradicate or
risks to the health and safety ofyourminimise  identified  driving  risks.
employees while they are at work, and to
other people who may be affectedby their workEnsure managers understand their role and
activities. This includes work-relatedresponsibilities for managingroad risk and
driving  activities.are  able  to  apply  company  policy.
Employees driving on company business areEnsure drivers are given relevant
considered to be undertaking a workactivityinformation, training and supervisionto be
and the vehicle they are driving, regardlesssafe  on  the  road.
of  ownership, is regardedas a place of work.
Regularly audit the safety of journeys and
The Health and Safety Commission recentlyamend policies and proceduresaccordingly if
issued a series of guidelines coveringthenew  risks  are  identified.
employer's responsibility towards the
employee. This included theDoes this include the use of private
recommendationthat every company appointed avehicles?
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 toforindividuals who drive their own vehicles
commuting, unless the employee ison company business as those who drivecompany
travellingfrom their home to a location forowned  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 individualsIn some respects the risks associated with
driving on company business are more likelythe use of privately owned vehiclesare
than other roadusers to be involved in angreater. This is because you have less
accident resulting in death or seriouscontrol over things like maintenance,tyres
injury. Thereforethere is an increasing focusand suitability of the vehicle for the task.
by the authorities on work related driving.



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