Tips for Employers During Road Safety Week
Motor vehicles and road traffic are integral parts of daily life, but they also present constant risks and hazards. Each year, the UK recognises Road Safety Week as a way to inspire organisations, individuals and communities to discuss road safety and take steps to keep all operators and travellers safe.
As an employer, you are responsible for the safety of not only your own employees, but also others with whom they may share the road. Health and safety laws apply to work-related activities conducted on roads in the same ways that they would at a fixed location.
Organised by charity Brake, each year Road Safety Week highlights the threat poised by irresponsible driving. The annual campaign calls for greater awareness of the need for caution on our roads.
This is made evident by government statistics that estimate the lighter traffic levels throughout 2020 due the pandemic resulted in around 300 less deaths and 6,000 fewer serious injuries compared with 2019. However there were still 1,460 deaths and more than 22,000 serious injuries that brought devastation to families across the UK.
Plan Insurance can accommodate your Motor Fleet Insurance needs, We also offer innovative Pay Per Mile Insurance options. Just fill in our short online quote form, and our professional brokers will be in contact to arrange your insurance.
Road Safety Week 2021
Road Safety Week is the UK’s largest road safety event and campaign. Thousands of schools, organisations, and communities participate each year to advocate for our right to make safe and healthy daily journeys.
To mark Road Safety Week, we’re asking our clients to review their road-related practices and policies, and if they’re not already doing so, to consider the following steps:
Assess Risks
Employers that have workers who drive are required to conduct a risk assessment that includes the employees themselves, as well as any others who might be affected by their driving.
Plan Trips
Think ahead when planning a journey. Consider the optimal route, as well as various hazards, such as bridges, tunnels and inclement weather.
Check Qualifications
Ensure that employees are qualified to operate certain vehicles for specific tasks. Organisations can check these qualifications, as well as review drivers’ penalty points by clicking here.
Inspect Vehicles
Check the condition of your fleet regularly and conduct all necessary maintenance in a timely manner. When purchasing new vehicles, research thoroughly to make sure they are suitable for your operations.
Maintain Wellbeing
Ensure drivers have their vision checked regularly, track working hours to help them avoid fatigue and utilise good ergonomics to provide optimal driving position and posture.
This year’s Road Safety Week will run from 15-21 November. Click here for more Information.
