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Workplace transport is the second biggest cause of
fatal accidents in British workplaces.
In 2000/01, 99 people were killed,
2490 were seriously injured and 5857 people
sustained injuries which kept them off work for more
than 3 days, all as a result of workplace transport
accidents.
The vast majority of these
accidents were preventable.
Extract from Health
& Safety Executive |
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Some employers believe
incorrectly that provided they comply with certain
road traffic law requirements, such as ensuring that
company vehicles have a valid MOT certificate, they
are doing all that is necessary to ensure the safety
of their employees when on the road.
Health and safety law requires employers, and
the self-employed to ensure, so far as is reasonably
practical, the health, safety and welfare of all
employees, at all times. Employers also have a
responsibility to ensure that others are not put at
risk by the work activities of their employees.
Although the driver is ultimately responsible for how
a vehicle is driven on the road the employer can have
a significant influence on what the driver does.
For example, the imposition of unrealistic
delivery schedules, inadequate training and failure to
properly maintain vehicles all increase the risk of
road accidents.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work
Regulations 1999 require every employer to carry
out an assessment of the risks to the health and
safety of their employees, or themselves, whilst they
are at work, and to other people who may be affected
by their work activities. This includes any driving
activity on the road. The regulations require the risk
assessment to be reviewed periodically to ensure that
it remains valid. Employers should consider the risks
to employees on the road in the same way as for those
in a workplace. |
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Taken
From:
Health & Safety Executive
Reducing Risks Protecting People |
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