Driving at work

The HSE guidance, Driving at work: managing work-related road safety has been updated in 2014, it is aimed at employers whose staff drive or ride a motorcycle or bike at work.

The guidance says that health and safety law applies to on-the-road activities as it does to all work activities. The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 requires employers to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all employees while at work (See Chapter 1). Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers must assess risks to the health and safety of their employees, including while driving at work (See Chapter 3).

The HSE guidance contains various checklists on ensuring that there is a safe driver using a safe vehicle making a safe journey. The guidance makes a number of suggestions on how to prevent work-related road incidents. It says employers should consider alternative means of transport and “avoid situations where employees feel under pressure”, such as “making unrealistic claims about delivery schedules which may encourage drivers to drive too fast or exceed speed limits.”

Employers should organise maintenance work to reduce the risk of vehicle failure, and ensure vehicles are fit for the purpose for which they are being used. They should also ensure that seatbelts and airbags are correctly fitted and work properly. Cycle and motorcycle riders should be provided with crash helmets and protective equipment of the appropriate standard.

The guidance specifically addresses the issue of tiredness while driving. It asks employers: “Do journey times take into account road types and conditions, and allow for rest breaks? The Highway Code recommends that drivers should take a 15-minute break every two hours.”

According to latest figures from the Department for Transport, in September 2012, there were 16,270 casualties involving a driver/rider as part of their work. This figure was down from 17,783 casualties in 2010.