Work-related road traffic accidents account for a significant portion of workplace injuries, with many fatalities and serious injuries occurring each week. Employers are legally responsible for managing work-related road safety, which is just as crucial as any other workplace health and safety concern. This includes ensuring that drivers, vehicles, andjourneys are safe, regardless of whether employees drive frequently or only occasionally.

Your Legal Responsibilities

Employers must comply with both road traffic law and health and safety regulations. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires employers to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of employees at work, including while driving. Employers must assess the risks associated with driving, make safety improvements, and consult with employees or safety representatives. Commuting is not usually covered unless the employee is traveling to a non-regular work location.

Additionally, employers need to ensure that drivers meet the DVLA Group 2 medical standards for certain vehicle types, like HGVs/LGVs commonly known as trucks and lorries. An HGV/LGV D4 medical is vital for ensuring drivers are physically and medically fit to operate heavy goods vehicles.

Benefits of Managing Road Safety

Managing road safety brings numerous advantages:

• CostControl: Proper management reducesvehicle-related costs, including repairs, insurance premiums, and legal
• Reduced Accidents: Preventing accidents leads to fewer injuries, less downtime,and lower
• Employee Morale: A strong road safety culture boosts employee morale andreduces
• Operational Efficiency: Fewer repairs, more reliable scheduling, and increased

How to Manage Work-Related Road Safety

To effectively manage road safety, integrate it into your overall health and safety system. Focus on the following areas:

1. Policy: Your health and safety policy should include work-related road safety,particularly if you employ five or more  A written policy ensures everyone understands safety expectations.
2. Responsibility: Appoint someone at a senior level to oversee road  They should have the authority to implement and monitor safety measures.
3. Organisation: Establish a cooperative structure, where different departments (e.g., fleet management, safety) work together on road
4. Systems: Create systems for regular vehicle inspections, maintenance, and drivertraining to ensure compliance with safety
5. Monitoring: Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of your road safety policies.Encourage employees to report incidents and use this data to make

Assessing Risks on the Road

Risk assessments for work-related driving should follow the same principles as other workplace risk assessments. Key steps include:

• Identifyinghazards: Consult with employees to understand risks related to the driver, vehicle, and
• Evaluatingrisks: Determine who may be harmed and how likely the hazards are to cause
• Takingaction: Decide whether existing safety measures are adequate or if further steps are
• Recordingand reviewing: Document the findings, review them regularly, and update as

Steps to Risk Assessment

1. Identify Hazards: Consider factors such as driver experience, vehicle condition,and the complexity of the  Consult drivers for their feedback.
2. EvaluateWho Might Be Harmed: Assess the potential risks to the driver, passengers, and other road
3. EvaluateRisks: Consider how likely each hazard is to cause harm and whether further actions are needed to reduce
4. RecordFindings: Employers with five or more employees must record significant  It’s also important to communicate your findings to employees.

5. Review:Regularly monitor and review the risk assessment to ensure ongoing  Make adjustments based on new information or changing circumstances.

Evaluating Risks: Key Considerations

• TheDriver: Ensure drivers are competent, well-trained, and fit for  Check qualifications, provide training, and address any issues with fatigue or health. This also includes making sure that drivers meet DVLA Group 2 medical standards,

particularly for those driving Trucks and Lorries greater than 3.5 tonnes. This is in the form of D4 medical examination for new drivers and those require license renewal.

• TheVehicle: Ensure vehicles are suitable for the task, well-maintained, and equipped with necessary safety features like seatbelts and
• TheJourney: Plan safe routes, avoid long trips that cause fatigue, and account for weather conditions. Ensure that journeys are realistic and include adequate rest

Practical Tips for Reducing Risks

1. CompetencyChecks: Regularly verify drivers’ qualifications and driving  Ensure they understand the company’s road safety policies.
2. Training: Offer regular training on safe driving practices, vehicle checks, fatigue management, and emergency
3. VehicleMaintenance: Set up a system for routine maintenance and ensure vehicles are regularly
4. Journey Planning: Plan routes to avoid hazardous areas, and ensure schedules arerealistic and allow for adequate rest
5. MonitorPerformance: Track incidents and driver performance to identify areas for

Conclusion

Managing work-related road safety is essential to protecting employees and improving business efficiency. By integrating road safety into your health and safety systems, regularly assessing risks, and implementing safety measures, you can reduce accidents and costs while boosting employee morale and productivity. Regular monitoring and review are key to ensuring that your safety practices remain effective.

For more resources on managing road safety at work or to book your Enterprise D4 medical, visit Dr4D4 Limited for expert advice and tools to help your business stay safe on the road.

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes and spreading awareness only. It is intended to summarise the HSE booklet titled “Driving at Work: Managing Work-Related Road Safety” to help readers easily read and learn about the topic. For official guidance and specific requirements, please refer to the full HSE publication and consult relevant professionals.