Health and Safety Update (November 2008)
Driving at Work- how dangerous is it?
The number of work-related road deaths is estimated at between
one quarter and one third of all road deaths. This excludes
commuter deaths, on the journey to or from work. Based on this
estimate, approximately 750–1,000 road deaths were work-related in
2007. By comparison, the HSE reported that there were 228 fatal
injuries to workers in 2007–08 in 'traditional' workplaces. It is
clear that, for many people, the greatest risk of being involved in
a fatal accident at work is when they are using the roads.
Any employer with employees who drive – even just occasionally –
for work purposes is responsible for their health and safety while
on the road.
With the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007
now in effect, employers could find themselves facing prosecution,
huge fines and negative publicity. For example, in the event of a
fatal accident involving an employee on work-related business, an
employer could be found liable for failing to ensure the car had
been kept in a roadworthy condition, even if it was the employee's
own vehicle.
You, as the employer must have a robust system in place for
managing mobile workers. Mentor can provide a road risk consultancy
service tailored to the needs of your business - call our Telephone
Advice Service or your dedicated consultant for more
information.