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Work Related Road Safety

According to Department of Transport, road traffic accidents whilst at work are the single largest cause of occupational fatality in the UK.

The Health & Safety Executive recorded 212 work-related fatalities in 2005-06. As a comparison, they also estimate that over 1,000 people died last year as a result of work-related road traffic collisions.

The Dykes Report (set up by the Government's independant Work Related Road Safety Task Group) concluded that "between 25% and 30% of all serious and fatal road traffic incidents involve someone who was at work at the time".

A report by Lynn & Lockwood (1998) found that company car drivers are 49% more likely to be involved in a crash than any other driver - even allowing for the higher mileage.

Some employers believe that provided they comply with road traffic law, such as company vehicles having valid MOT certificates and employees having current driving licences, they are ensuring the safety of their employees. However, health and safety law applies to on-road work activities and the associated risks should be effectively managed as part of a health and safety management system.

In the event of a work-related road accident investigation, organisations may be required by the police, local authority, Health and Safety Executive or Crown Prosecution Service to produce a copy of their safety management systems, including driver risk assessments and training records.

Proposed changes to corporate manslaughter legislation will make it easier for the authorities to prosecute companies who do not have effective policies and procedures.

In extreme cases of aiding and abetting drivers offences (such as Graves Haulage case) Company Directors could face imprisonment. It is however more likely that a guilty verdict would result in a massive fine (based on ability to pay) such as Transco's August 2005 fine of £15m for breach of Health and Safety Legislation.

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