Work-related road risk

The government has published updated guidance on work-related road risk for employers and drivers.

It includes amendments to reflect changing employment patterns, such as the gig economy and greater use of personal vehicles for work.

The key message is that companies remain responsible for all those who drive on their behalf, no matter how they are employed.

It warns that driving for work is one of the most dangerous activities workers will ever undertake.

Every week there are around 200 deaths and serious injuries involving people using the road for work.

Around 40,000 people are involved in road traffic collisions every year. Company car drivers in the UK are 49% more likely to be involved in traffic collisions.

There is also a hidden cost, with drivers suffering stress and anxiety for long periods after incidents.

Nicola Jaynes, an inspector for the Health and Safety Executive, said: “Companies who otherwise have robust health and safety policies sometimes fail to consider their responsibilities adequately when it comes to driving or riding for work. Everyone should come home from work safe and well, whether they’re working behind a desk or behind the wheel.”

Prosecutions for health and safety failures could lead to significant fines or even custodial sentences, as well as driving bans and operator licences being revoked. In 2020, after two men lost their lives in a motorway collision, their employer was found guilty of failing to effectively manage fatigue and was fined £450,000 and ordered to pay £30,000 costs.

While all road users have an individual responsibility for their driving behaviour under road traffic laws, every organisation has a legal responsibility to protect their health and safety, officials say.

Examples include managing working hours and ensuring vehicles are safe and fit for purpose.

Jaynes added: “The shocking number of injuries and fatalities associated with driving for work demonstrates that more needs to be done to manage work-related road risk.  This update will give employers the guidance they need to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their drivers and riders.”

The new online Driving for Work guidance replaces the previous PDF guide, INDG382 Driving for Work, and includes simple and clear advice on best practice.

Reflex Vehicle Hire protects customers with Safety as Standard, with every vehicle fitted with technology and equipment that reduces the risk of incidents.

Our Driive with Reflex modular risk management service includes vehicle speed limiters, dashcams and telematics as part of a suite of systems.

This ensures that managers can oversee vehicle use on the road and provide strategies and support for drivers to minimise the risk of harm and keep operating costs low.

To discuss your transport needs and how to keep vehicles and drivers from harm, contact one of our expert team members.
 

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