Driving for work risk assessment

The HSE say it has been estimated that up to a third of all road traffic accidents involve somebody who is at work at the time. This may account for over 20 fatalities and 250 serious injuries every week. Some employers believe, incorrectly, that provided they comply with certain road traffic law requirements, eg company vehicles have a valid MOT certificate, and that drivers hold a valid licence, this is enough to ensure the safety of their employees, and others, when they are on the road. However, health and safety law applies to on-the-road work activities as to all work activities, and the risks should be effectively managed within a health and safety management system.
 

These responsibilities are in addition to the duties you have as an employer under road traffic law, eg the Road Traffic Act and Construction and Use Regulations, which are administered by the police and other agencies such as the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency.

The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974requires you to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of all employees while at work. You also have a responsibility to ensure that others are not put at risk by your work-related driving activities. (Self-employed people have a similar responsibility to that of employers.)

Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999you have a responsibility to manage health and safety effectively. You need to carry out an assessment of the risks to the health and safety of your employees, while they are at work, and to other people who may be affected by their work activities. The Regulations require you to periodically review your risk assessment so that it remains appropriate.

Health and safety law does not apply to commuting, unless the employee is travelling from their home to a location which is not their usual place of work.