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