Stop and Think: are you driving safely?
How much work-related driving do you do? What about others in the business? Driving for work can be a stressful yet unavoidable part of the job, and undoubtedly we are all guilty of driving off without giving it a second thought. But are you fully aware of road related risk and what measures should be put in place to stay safe?
More than a quarter of all road traffic incidents involve somebody who is driving as part of their work at the time (Department for Transport figures). Employers have a responsibility under Health and Safety legislation to ensure that, so far as reasonably practicable, they are protecting the health and safety of their employees and others, which includes the activity of driving on public roads. It is therefore imperative that employers manage the risks to drivers as part of their health and safety arrangements. Health and Safety law does not apply to people communing (unless they are travelling from their home to somewhere which is not their usual place of work), however there is a strong business case for managing all elements of work-related road safety. Fewer road incidents mean:
less days lost to injury
less vehicle repairs
fewer missed orders or appointments
reduced cost implications from the above
Attempting to deal with road related safety is a wide-ranging requirement. The HSE encourages a common-sense and practical approach and provides guidance in accordance with this, talking about a ‘Plan, Do, Check, Act’ method to tackling driver safety. Ultimately it should be part of the everyday process of running an organisation and part of overall good management.
If you think you need any help or advice in relation to the above please do not hesitate to contact us here.
