Occupational road risk

What do you need to know?be involved in an accident resulting in death or
Companies can no longer take the risk of ignoringserious injury. Therefore there is an increasing
their responsibilities with regard to managing thefocus by the authorities on work related driving.
risks associated with 'driving at work' EmployersExisting Health and Safety legislation is now more
incorrectly assume that provided they complylikely to be used in a bid to reduce the accident
with road traffic law requirements, for exampletoll. Companies are now more likely to be
company vehicles have a valid MOT and fleetinvestigated by the police and HSE in the wake of
drivers hold a valid driving licence, this is enough toa serious road traffic accident.
ensure the safety of their employees, and others,What do you need to do?
when they are on the road.In simple terms you should have a safety
What is the current Legislation?management system for driving at work just as
The Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974you would for any other work related activity.
requires you to ensure, as far as is reasonablyThis should include:
practicable, the health and safety of employees- Comprehensive road safety policies supported
while at work.by top management.
Under the Management of Health and Safety at- Road safety management procedures, including
Work Regulations 1992, amended in 1999,risk assessments for both drivers and specific
employers have a responsibility to manage healthdriving tasks.
and safety effectively. You need to carry out an- Maintain and review accident statistics. Look for
assessment of the risks to the health and safetycommon trends and risks.
of your employees while they are at work, and- Implement safe practices that eradicate or
to other people who may be affected by theirminimise identified driving risks.
work activities. This includes work-related driving- Ensure managers understand their role and
activities.responsibilities for managing road risk and are able
Employees driving on company business areto apply company policy.
considered to be undertaking a work activity and- Ensure drivers are given relevant information,
the vehicle they are driving, regardless oftraining and supervision to be safe on the road.
ownership, is regarded as a place of work.- Regularly audit the safety of journeys and
The Health and Safety Commission recentlyamend policies and procedures accordingly if new
issued a series of guidelines covering therisks are identified.
employer's responsibility towards the employee.Does this include the use of private vehicles?
This included the recommendation that everyOwnership of the vehicle is irrelevant. Companies
company appointed a director to look after healthhave the same liability for individuals who drive
and safety - including driving at work.their own vehicles on company business as those
Health and Safety law does not apply towho drive company owned fleet vehicles. Don't be
commuting, unless the employee is travelling fromfooled into thinking that by abandoning the
their home to a location for business purposes,traditional company car in favour of cash for car
which is not their usual place of work.alternatives you can get rid of your duty of care
Why is there a spotlight on this issue?- you can't.
The Government has clearly indicated that itIn some respects the risks associated with the
intends to pursue a policy of reducing road trafficuse of privately owned vehicles are greater. This
accidents and has set tough targets. Researchis because you have less control over things like
has confirmed that individuals driving on companymaintenance, tyres and suitability of the vehicle
business are more likely than other road users tofor the task.