Duty of Care - Health and Safety

Road Safety Should Be Everyone's Goal

Here at Solo(uk) we believe that Road Safety should be at the top of the list of priorities for any business that uses a vehicle as part of its daily routine. Whether you are a large corporate organisation or a small business which uses one vehicle, you have a responsibility. 65% of road traffic accidents involve a vehicle driven for work related purposes.

Workplace transport is the second biggest cause of fatal accidents in the workplace.

 

Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007

 

 

Work Related Road Safety

Some employers believe incorectly that provided they comply with certain road traffic law requirements, such as ensuring the company vehicles have a valid MOT Certificate, they are doing all that is necessary to ensure the safety of their employees on the road.

Health and Safety Law

The law requires employers and the self-employed to ensure, so far as is reasonably practical, the health, safety and welfare of its employees, at all times. Employers also have a responsibility to ensure that others are not put at risk by the work activities of their employees.

Although the driver is ulimately responsible for how the vehicle is driven on the road, the employer can have a significant influence on what the driver does. If you the employer set unrealistic delivery schedules then the driver may feel it necessary to brake the speed limit to keep to this schedule. Inadequate training and failure to maintain vehicles properly all increase the risk of road accidents.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require every employer carry out an assessment of the risks to the health and safety of their employees, or themselves, whilst they are at work, and to other people who may be affected by their work activities. This includes any driving activity on the road. The regulations require the risk assessment to be reviewed periodically to ensure that it remains valid. Employers should consider the risks to their employees on the road in the same way as for those in the workplace.

Taken from:

Health and Safety Executive

Reducing Risks Protecting People

 

Call us: 0191 5250562 / 07731 675 967 or e-mail gary@solouk.co.uk