Health and Safety Policy Arrangements – Driving at Work
Work-related road safety and driving at work are critical aspects of occupational health and safety, given that driving is one of the most dangerous activities employees can undertake. In the UK, employers have a duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to manage the risks associated with driving for work purposes. This includes conducting risk assessments to identify potential hazards, ensuring that vehicles are well-maintained and suitable for their intended use, and that drivers are properly trained, licensed, and fit to drive. Employers should implement policies and procedures to manage driving hours, prevent fatigue, and ensure compliance with road traffic laws. Additionally, providing training on safe driving practices, regular vehicle inspections, and encouraging a culture of safety can help mitigate risks. Effective management of work-related road safety not only ensures legal compliance but also protects employees’ health and safety, reduces the likelihood of accidents, and promotes a responsible and safety-conscious driving culture within the organisation.
Take a look at the information below for things you might want to include in your own H&S policy…
Feel free to copy / paste this list, and you can find out more about our full H&S policy here.
The [Proprietor / Directors] of [My Company] will ensure that;
- We carry out a risk assessment to identify any risk to our staff whilst driving as part of their working day, this will not include driving to and from work.
This assessment will only be carried out for projects that require driving in excess of 2 hours at any one time.
- We accept that most of the driving required by staff is short duration, to and from various sites, a maximum of 1 hour drive at start and end of shift or job. This will nearly always be as a team and not lone driving.
- If staff are required to drive for more than 2 hours we will inform, encourage and enforce;
- The danger of falling asleep
- A minimum 15 minute break for every 2 hours of driving
- Driver sharing if possible
- The requirement for adequate sleep prior to the journey
- The early signs of fatigue, and what to do
- The risks of making a long journey home after a day’s work
- The availability of staying away overnight
- Servicing and maintenance of vehicles is carried out in line with manufacturer’s requirements.
- Vehicles are checked before use each day by a competent person in line with DVSA Van Walkaround Checklist and manufacturer’s recommendations, and any faults reported immediately.
- Vehicles undergo statutory checks as required (MOT etc.)
- Licences are regularly checked for all designated vehicle drivers, including online checks for penalty points, bans etc.
- A culture of safe and efficient driving is promoted throughout the company, including use of personal vehicles used for commute to work.
Our minimum health and safety performance standards will be obtained from; but not restricted to;
- Indg 382 – Driving at work – managing work-related road safety
- RoSPA guide – Driving at work; Safe journey planner
- RoSPA guide – Safe journey planner; for individuals
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