Everyone driving at work deserves to be safe

Employers with drivers or riders have to be responsible for their safety.

Safety matters when you’re driving for work

Driving is a leading cause of work-related fatalities and serious injuries. Ensuring the safety of drivers and riders by employers is crucial.

What you need to know:

  • Employers should have a driving policy to minimise risk
  • Regular checks on driving licences are essential
  • Proper training and assessments are required
  • Vehicle safety must be regularly checked
  • Safe driving practices should always be enforced

Checking driving licences

Businesses must regularly check employees’ driving licences, ideally every six months or annually. Key points to remember:

  • Ensure photocard licences are up-to-date (valid for 10 years)
  • Verify the licence category matches the vehicle the employee will drive
  • Employees must inform employers of any points or disqualifications
  • Drivers must declare any medical conditions affecting their ability to drive

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  • Drivers' rights

  • Training

  • Vehicle checks

  • Good practice

Key information

Training and assessments can make a difference

Having properly-trained drivers can lower the chance of collisions and any vehicle damage.

It’s usually best to make an initial assessment, which can highlight any issues before work starts.

If a new type of vehicle is being used, it’s important that all current and new drivers know exactly how it works. This can help prevent the possible cause of a breakdown.

Drivers need to check their vehicle

When it comes to a work vehicle, it’s the driver’s responsibility to make sure it’s well maintained through daily checks.

If there’s anything wrong, it should be reported through the channels set out in the company procedures.

Here’s what should be checked daily:

  • Tyres for tread depth and pressure
  • Oil, coolant and brake fluid levels
  • All lights, the horn, windscreen wipers and washers
  • All windows, making sure they’re clean
  • Any other specialist equipment on the vehicle

Safe driving is always the best practice

One of the best ways that employees can stay safe on the road is by having a good understanding of driving rules and laws.

This is particularly important around things like:

  • Speeding
  • Drink and drug driving
  • Mobile phone use

Employers need to make sure that all their drivers have clear and up-to-date guidance, including the recent changes made to The Highway Code.

More road user advice

Useful links

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