What does the law mean for you and your business?

Vehicles at work continue to be a major cause of fatal and serious injuries.

Every year there are over 5000 incidents involving transport in the workplace. About 50 of these result in people being killed. Estimates suggest that up to 1/3 of all road traffic accidents involve someone who is at work at the time (Health & safety Executive).

As an employer you need to take responsibility. You have a duty under health and safety law to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of your employees.

There is a huge raft of legislation regarding the use of workplace transport. Make sure you are up to date with the relevant legislation for your business:

• The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSW Act)

• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

• The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998

• The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992

• Construction, Design and Management Regulations 2007

• Road Vehicle (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986

• Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996

• Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 1995

• Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998

• Rider-operated lift trucks : Operator training and safe use Approved Code of Practice

Additionally, the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act was introduced in 2007, including road transport under health and safety legislation.

Juries will take into consideration breaches of health and safety legislation. This includes whether a company or organisation has taken account of any appropriate health and safety guidance. Juries will also consider any evidence which shows attitudes, policies, systems or accepted practices that may have encouraged such serious management failure.  

To effectively manage risks from workplace transport you must ensure 3 key areas:
1) A safe site
2) A safe vehicle
3) A safe driver

You must assess the risks to anyone who may be affected by their vehicle and work activity. Taking appropriate steps to prevent and protect against these risks.

Need help keeping your business vehicles safe?  
Whether your fleet is made up of cars or vans, regardless of the size A&D Group can help you. Our preventative maintenance packages for businesses build you a bespoke service schedule to ensure your vehicles are kept safe. Contact us for more information.

Need help with Health and Safety legislation?
The HR Dept has their own qualified Health and Safety team to advise clients. They take the hassle away with a pragmatic, down to earth approach. Whilst still ensuring you meet all current legislation.

The content for this blog was kindly provided by Susan Beeby at the HR Dept.