HSE updates guidance on work-related road safety

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has updated its ‘Driving at work: managing work-related road safety' guide, which is essential reading for any organisation with employees who drive for work, and self-employed drivers.

The guidance has been fully reviewed and improved with examples of types of activities companies can use to manage road risk, and signposts to further information from Brake and other organisations.

It is available as a free download here.  

At least one in four (26%) of road casualties in Britain involve an at-work driver, according to the latest Department for Transport figures.

Many of these devastating events can be prevented through employers implementing tried and tested policies and practices. Many employers who effectively manage their road risk experience a range of benefits including improved staff morale and reputation, and significantly reduced costs.

Brake provides guidance and tools to organisations with staff who drive for work through its Fleet Safety Forum.

It has recently produced an ‘Essential guide to fleet safety' with the support of the Department for Transport, which can be read alongside 'Driving at work', specifically aimed at small businesses and employers starting out in road risk management.

It is available for free here.

Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive, Brake, said: "Driving is the riskiest activity most employees engage in, and a huge proportion of devastating road casualties involve someone who's driving on company time. It's therefore essential that organisations with staff who drive for work are aware of the simple, low-cost steps they can take to protect their drivers and the public.

"I would urge all organisations with employees who drive on work time to read this updated HSE guidance, alongside Brake's essential guide to fleet safety, to ensure their risk management policies and practices are up to date and in line with best practice."