Road Safety
Millions of cars, vans, lorries, taxis, buses, motorcycles are used for work, and for most of us, we conduct this activity without realising that it is most likely, the most dangerous work activity we do.
Two sets of law that apply to work-related road safety.
Health and safety law focuses primarily (but not exclusively) on the duties of employers to establish safe systems of work. Road traffic law is concerned mainly with individual driver behaviour and the vehicle owner.
When it comes to driving, there are many aspects that can affect the performance of a driver, this includes:
- Drink driving
- Drug driving
- Speeding
- Distractions (such as mobile phones)
- Winter driving
- Driving at night
- Road rage
As an employer, you must manage health and safety risks to workers who drive a vehicle or ride a motorcycle, other powered two-wheeler or bicycle on the road as part of a work activity. Health and safety law applies to work activities on the road in the same way as it does on a fixed site.
Hazards that can cause harm to the driver or rider, passengers, other road users and/or pedestrians when driving for work include:
- Roadworks, traffic and congestion
- Vehicle condition
- Fatigue and distraction
- Time pressures
- The weather
- Behaviour of other road users
How can we reduce the risk
Plan and manage journeys – Plan journeys in good time and allow for stops and changing traffic conditions so you do not result to rushing.
Make sure drivers and riders are safe – Ensure drivers and riders are contactable at all times, and are aware of what to do in the event of an emergency.
Look after your workers’ health – Driver must be made aware that they must share any medical information that may affect their driving, likewise, you should ensure that regular health checks are conducted.
Make sure vehicles used to drive or ride for work are safe – Train your employees on the correct methods for checking over their vehicle.