Driver safety: Your obligations as an employer
Work-related driving is one of the riskiest activities that staff will undertake, with more than 500 deaths every year.
As with any other type of work, driving is covered by the Health and Safety at Work Act which requires employers to do what is reasonably practicable to protect employees and others from harm.
Employers also need to undertake a risk assessment of all work activities, including driving, and put in place measures identified as part of this process.
As an employer, you have a duty to:
- Undertake a risk assessment of driving activities
- Include driver safety within your health and safety policy, or have a stand-alone driving policy
- Ensure vehicles are suitable for purpose, and are inspected, maintained and serviced appropriately
- ensure work patterns do not lead to excessive driving hours or require speeding
- Check that drivers have the right licence for their vehicle and are fit to drive
- Ensure that vehicles are insured with the appropriate category of business use
- Undertake action to encourage drivers to use mobile phones only in accordance with the law
It should also be noted that a large amount of the responsibility for safe driving rests with employees themselves. All drivers must ensure that they are fit to drive, have the right licence and insurance and have satisfied themselves that their vehicle is roadworthy.
For more information on this issue, speak to one of our team on 01772 736522 or email admin@aegis-services-ltd.co.uk