Employers must manage the health and safety risks associated with employees driving, whether using company vehicles or their own vehicles for business purposes (known as ‘grey fleet’).
Road-based work activities should be managed with the same level of care as other workplace activities and employees should never be placed under pressure to drive when they are too tired or unfit to do so safely.
Work-related journeys can involve risks from:
- Traffic, congestion and roadworks
- Weather and road conditions
- Long or unfamiliar journeys
- Time pressures and unrealistic schedules
- Fatigue and insufficient rest
Journeys should be properly planned, with sufficient time for safe travel and appropriate breaks. Unnecessary journeys should be avoided or reduced where practical and drivers should be appropriately licensed, competent and fit to drive.
Employers should risk assess work related driving taking into account:
- Training and competence
- Fatigue and working hours
- Mobile phones and other distractions
- Alcohol, drugs and medication
- Lone working and vulnerable workers
The vehicle
Vehicles should be suitable for their intended use and maintained in a safe, roadworthy condition. Arrangements should cover inspections, servicing, defect reporting, tyres, brakes, lights and safe loading.
Remember
Risk assessments should consider drivers, passengers, pedestrians and other road users. Employers should regularly review these arrangements as part of their wider health and safety management.
If you require help, guidance or support on any health & safety matter, please contact us on info@capital-people.co.uk
As Head of Safety, Health, Environment & Fire (SHEF), Mark leads our Safety & Health — Training & Consultancy business. Having run his own consultancy and training business in this field for 14 y... Read More
