Small businesses must pay as much attention to workplace road safety as their giant counterparts, according to UK road safety organisation TTC Road Safety Services.
It is urging senior managers at small businesses to attend a conference, run by road safety charity Brake, to learn more about their responsibilities.
Conferences will take place in London on February 6, 2014 and Manchester on February 25, 2014.
"On the surface it appears a daunting task but by attending the conference in either Manchester or London, all will become clear," said Adrian Hide, manager of TTC Group Road Safety Services, who will be a conference speaker.
"This conference is a must for any business that has a desire to develop a safe driving culture for their company and meet their obligations under health and safety legislation.
"People don't realise that driving is probably one of the most dangerous pastimes most of us engage in, the more miles we travel, the more risk we expose ourselves to.
"It is particularly relevant to any business with employees who do work-related journeys, regardless of whether it's in their own vehicle or one provided by the company.
"Employers have a duty of care to their staff but many do not fully appreciate that this duty of care extends to driving in the workplace."
The conference will explain how simple, effective and inexpensive steps to improve the safety of at-work drivers and vehicles can also save SMEs significant amounts of money.
It will cover managing your drivers, vehicles and journey plans to minimise risk at all stages.
Experienced business people will give best practice examples, including evidence of cost savings and crash reductions achieved, as well as practical advice that delegates can take away and apply to their own organisations.
Laura Woods, research and information officer at Brake, said: "We know SMEs face particular challenges in addressing work-related road safety, which is why these events will feature experienced business managers and experts giving practical, simple, tried-and-tested steps SMEs can take.
"I would urge all SME managers to book on now, to get to grips with how they can reduce their company's road risk, to protect their employees, members of the public and their business."
To book a place visit the Brake website here, email admin@brake.org.uk or call 01484 559909.
Steve Clarke - 29/01/2014 12:33
Since launching MileageCount a year ago we have discovered that many SME businesses are not aware of their duty of care obligations to their drives, and staff who drive their own cars for business. We would urge those who can to attend this conference, we understand the importance.