More than fifth of UK firms don’t have road safety policy for workers

More than a fifth (21%) of UK companies whose employees drive for work have no road safety policy, new research has claimed.

The study of managers at 400 businesses, undertaken by TomTom Telematics, also revealed 4% did not know whether their organisation had a defined policy.

But 60% of respondents said staff members had been involved in road traffic accidents while on business duty, with 78% claiming this resulted in lost productivity due to injury or time off-work.

High-risk activity

Beverley Wise, director UK and Ireland at TomTom Telematics, said: “Driving is one of the most high-risk activities the majority of workers will conduct as part of their job, but is too often seen as a poor relation when it comes to workplace health and safety.

“A best-practice approach is necessary if companies are to effectively safeguard staff and reduce their risk exposure. If the appropriate action is not taken, they could even leave themselves open to prosecution under the Health and Safety at Work Act or Corporate Manslaughter legislation should employees be killed or seriously injured.”

The research also found only 64 per cent of organisations have processes in place to profile the risk posed by individual drivers, based on factors such as driving behaviour or previous convictions.

Training provision

Less than three-fifths (57%) of companies provide driving training and only 38% of those with training provide it once every six months or less.

Just over half of all businesses (53%) provide drivers with technological tools or driver aids to help them drive more safely.

Wise added: “Businesses should also be aware that a proactive approach to road safety can deliver further business benefits.

“By employing technology to monitor driver behaviour and providing drivers with live feedback, supported by targeted coaching and training, it is possible to reduce fuel spend, cut insurance premiums and boost productivity.”

Approaches to managing the risks associated Musculoskeletal disorders

In this episode of the Safety & Health Podcast, we hear from Matt Birtles, Principal Ergonomics Consultant at HSE’s Science and Research Centre, about the different approaches to managing the risks associated with Musculoskeletal disorders.

Matt, an ergonomics and human factors expert, shares his thoughts on why MSDs are important, the various prevalent rates across the UK, what you can do within your own organisation and the Risk Management process surrounding MSD’s.

Listen now!