ALL THINGS LICENSING
Research examining workplace accidents suggests that for every one recovered through insurance, bet- ween 8 and 36 may be lost via uninsured costs such as:
SO, HOW IS THIS RELEVANT TO THE TRADE?
For the majority of people, the most dangerous thing they do while at work is drive on the public highway. Excluding commuting, nearly a quarter of miles driven on the UK’s roads are for work purposes. For the taxi trade, this proportion is obviously considerably higher. Whist notable and large-scale industrial dangers are thankfully rare, for the rest of us driving on the road is probably the most dangerous thing we do. Further- more, if a journey is taken for work purposes, the HSWA applies and employers have a responsibility to manage that risk. In addition, drivers, acting as either employees or in a self-employed capacity have duties placed upon them to look after themselves and others.
Every week, there are around 10 fatalities and 100 serious injuries in the UK involving someone driving for work. Statistically, one in three collisions involves at least one vehicle being driven for or at work. These deaths and injuries are preventable.
Studies have shown that drivers whose work-related journeys accounted for 1-80% of their total mileage had, on average, 13% more injury collisions than non- work drivers who were otherwise similar in terms of age, sex and mileage. Company drivers who drive more than 80% of their annual mileage on work-related journeys have over 50% more injury collisions than non-work drivers doing similar mileage.
SO, WHY MANAGE WORK-RELATED ROAD SAFETY?
Companies, including operators acting in the capacity of employers, are legally required to manage a driving- for-work policy under health and safety legislation and road traffic law. Road collisions involving work-related journeys may result in company management and employees being prosecuted, even when drivers are using their own vehicle.
It’s difficult to calculate the actual cost of work-related collisions, however collisions involving work-related vehicles are estimated to cost society £4.4 billion per year, with an estimated cost to employers of £2.7 billion.
PHTM SEPTEMBER 2024
• loss of company reputation and contracts • replacement staff costs and sick pay • excess on a claim • accident investigation and paperwork • management and administrative time
Consequently, there are clearly a number of benefits to companies through managing work-related road safety, no matter the company size, including:
• fewer days lost due to injury • reduced work-related illness • reduced stress and improved morale • lower insurance premiums • fewer vehicles off the road for repair.
Work-related road safety is a shared responsibility between the employer and employee.
The Law:
The Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) sets out that: • employers have a duty of care for the safety of employees at work, irrespective of the type or size of the business.
• employers have a duty of care to others that may be affected by their business activities, which, in the case of driving, means all other road users.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999) provides further responsibility on employers saying employers:
• have a responsibility to manage health and safety effectively
• are required to assess risk to the health and safety of employees and implement necessary measures to reduce this risk
• must periodically review their risk assessments to ensure they remain appropriate
• must appoint competent people to drive and ensure they are supported by appropriate training
HOW IS THIS RELEVANT TO WORK-RELATED ROAD SAFETY AND THE TRADE?
Road Traffic law supported by the Highway Code, which of course all drivers will be familiar with sets out the rules for driving on the road. The Highway Code includes information on signs and markings, road users, the law and driving penalties.
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