Health & Safety

Health and Safety legislation is complicated. A lot of the rules seem to cover things we would normally consider to be good management practice or simple common sense.

But it's a fact that that many organisations in the UK don't place enough emphasis on the Health & Safety of the people who drive vehicles on their behalf. In some instances, this means that companies run the risk of falling foul of the law – either through criminal prosecution or through the Health and Safety Executive's own legal powers.

We are all aware of our own responsibilities as drivers under The Road Safety Bill which makes provision for a range of road safety matters including Drink Driving, General Vehicle Safety, Speeding, Penalties and Enforcement, Driver Training, Driver Fatigue and Driver and Vehicle Licensing. However, with the introduction of the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Bill, everyone within a business has a safety role and the ultimate responsibility lies with those who make the key decisions within an organisation.

Know The Risks
Industry statistics have revealed that:

• 1 in 3 of 3400 annual deaths on the UK roads is likely to involve a vehicle being driven for work purposes
• 78% of drivers who drive 40,000 miles a year admit to using a mobile phone whilst driving
• 55% of company drivers admitted to making or receiving hand-held mobile phone calls whilst driving
• 66% of company drivers have never had their driving licence checked by their employers
• 38% of company drivers have never received any driver training from their employers
• 30% of company drivers do not check fluid levels or tyre pressures on a regular basis

Know Your Company Responsibilities

• A vehicle is a place of work which means that Health and Safety legislation applies
• Under the Health and Safety at Work Act, businesses have a 'duty of care' to ensure the safety of anyone driving on their behalf
• An employer must have a safety policy which must be in writing if there are 5 or more employees.
• If a vehicle driven by an employee kills someone, there will be an investigation. If it is found that your company's actions contributed to the crash you, other managers and your company may be charged with manslaughter with possible penalties of life imprisonment and unlimited fines.

We at Alternative Route can assist you with the preparation of the essential Duty Of Care Policy, Driver Handbook and Policies relating to Health Matters, Drink and Drugs, Use of Mobiles, Licence Checks and Driving Assessment. It's important to act NOW!