The HSE provides guidance for employers to help them manage the risks their employees face while driving for work.

Whilst employers cannot exercise the same control over hazards to employees when driving or riding at work as in the workplace, there are practicable steps which they should take to reduce the risks.

Work-related road safety can only be effectively controlled if it is integrated into arrangements for managing health and safety at work. By way of illustration, an employer should take account of the total number of hours worked, and not just the number of hours spent at the wheel, when planning driving schedules.

Employers must ensure that drivers are:

  • competent and capable of doing their work in a way that is safe for them and others;
  • properly trained;
  • sufficiently fit and healthy to drive safely and not put themselves and others at risk;
  • provided with information that will help them reduce risk (eg recommended tyre pressures);
  • provided with appropriate advice on driving posture.

Employers must ensure vehicles are:

  • fit for the purpose for which they are used;
  • maintained in a safe and fit condition.

Employers must ensure journey planning:

  • takes account of appropriate routes
  • incorporates realistic work schedules;
  • does not put drivers at risk from fatigue;
  • takes sufficient account of adverse weather conditions.

The risk section of the HSE website contains practical advice on how to carry out a risk assessment and links to helpful free publications.