It has been estimated that up to a third of all road traffic accidents involve somebody who is at work at the time. This may account for over 20 fatalities and 250 serious injuries every week. Some employers believe, incorrectly, that provided they comply with certain road traffic law requirements, eg company vehicles have a valid MOT certificate, and that drivers hold a valid licence, this is enough to ensure the safety of their employees, and others, when they are on the road. However, health and safety law applies to on-the-road work activities as to all work activities, and the risks should be effectively managed within a health and safety management system. This guidance applies to any employer, manager or supervisor with staff who drive, or ride a motorcycle or bicycle at work, and in particularly those with responsibility for fleet management. It also applies to self-employed people. Employees and trade union appointed safety representatives will also find it helpful. It covers people whose main job is driving, and those who drive or ride occasionally or for short distances. References to drivers and driving include riders and riding. The leaflet suggests ways to manage the risk to drivers’ health and safety. Companies with large goods vehicles (LGV) or passenger service vehicles (PSV) may also be subject to specific legislative requirements that take precedence over the general advice given here. Many incidents happen due to inattention and distraction as well as failure to observe the Highway Code.1 You need to consider what steps you should take to ensure that your employees use the road as safely as possible. Practical advice on managing work-related road safety can be found in the publications listed at the back of this guidance. (Author/publisher)
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