Occupational Road Risk Health and safety issues for

Occupational Road Risk Health and safety issues for vehicles and drivers Mike Lewis MIOSH, RSP

Introduction n For the majority of us, the most dangerous thing we do is drive on the public highway

Accident Statistics (UK 2003) n 3, 508 persons killed n 33, 707 seriously injured n 254, 000 slightly injured n 30% of the above fatalities and serious injuries related to driving at work

Annual probability of occupational fatality n n n Deep sea fishing Coal mining Construction Services industry Car driving >25000 miles/year 1 in 750 1 in 7100 1 in 10000 1 in 150000 1 in 8000

Road Traffic Accident Definition n A rare, random, multifactor event where one or more road users have failed to cope with their environment.

Multi Factor Event n Road and environmental deficiencies Misleading visual situation n Bad/negligent design n n Vehicle defects Defective brakes n Defective tyres n n Road n user error 95% RTA’s involve human error

Types of Error n Driver actions n n Perceptual n n Driving too fast Failure to give way Irresponsible or aggressive behaviour Inattention Failure to see Misjudgement Impairment n n Under the influence of alcohol/drugs fatigue

Road Accident Costs Figures from RAC (2005) n Direct Cost n n Indirect Cost n n The average repair costs is estimated as £ 750 i. e. non recoverable insurance excess, replacement vehicle costs, employee absence, missed appointments & deliveries, administration etc. are estimated as being four times the direct cost (4 x £ 750 = £ 3000) Total Cost n £ 750 + 2250 = £ 3000

Legal Position

Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 Employers are required to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of all employees while at work. n Duty of care to provide employees with: n n n safe plant and equipment Safe systems of work Competent workers Adequate instruction and supervision Safe workplace and environment

Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 n Requirement under Regulation 3 to carry out assessment of risks to employees and others affected by their work activities. n The Regulations require you to periodically review risk assessments.

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 Majority of RTA’s come under the Road Traffic Act. n RIDDOR only applies to accidents on the road involving: n n n Loading or unloading vehicles Working alongside the road Exposed to a substance being carried on a vehicle Involving a train

HSE Guidance n The HSE has clarified employers requirements in guidance INDG 382 Driving at Work: Managing workrelated road safety www. hse. gov. uk/pu bns/indg 382. pdf

Development of a Policy

What should be in the policy? Commitment n Organisation n Arrangements n n n n roles and responsibilities Driver selection, driver training Vehicle selection, vehicle safety Restrictions and control of use Maintenance and servicing Provision of information Accident investigation and analysis Monitoring and Review

Policy Implementation n n Procedures and work instructions Staff/driver handbooks Induction courses Training sessions Briefing sessions

Risk Assessment

Risk Assessment n Identify significant risks n Identify persons affected n Identify necessary controls to mitigate or reduce risks n Prioritise control measures

Control Measures n When considering control measures you should look at three individual areas i. e. The Journey n The Vehicle n The Driver n

The Journey n n n n Eliminate unnecessary journeys Consider other modes of transport Control drivers hours/reduce night driving Utilise the safest routes Avoid driving in adverse weather Consider travellers when planning times and locations of meetings etc. Encourage breaks in long journeys, over night stops, vehicle sharing etc. Consider the whole journey – long haul flights

The Vehicle n Vehicle selection n n Safety features e. g. airbags, cargo nets etc. Suitability Use of own vehicles - roadworthiness Restriction on high powered or 4 x 4 off road vehicles etc. Routine maintenance and servicing n Driver safety checks n Procedure for reporting defects n

The Driver n Driver selection n n Aptitude and attitude Age and competence - valid licence? Previous accident history Driver fitness n n Pre-employment medical checks, eyesight checks Physical and mental well being Driver improvement n Driver guidance n n n Dealing with emergencies Alcohol and drugs Use of mobile phones whilst driving Lone females Impact of incentive schemes on driving behaviour

Driver Training

Driver Training n n n As with any training, driver training should be suitable and sufficient and appropriate to the risk. Induction training Additional training may be required to carry out duties safely Refresher training may be required if employee has a poor accident history Behavioural aspects Specialist training in defensive driving

Further Information

Information Sources HSE Work-related road safety website http: //www. hse. gov. uk/roadsafety/ n Ro. SPA Road safety website n http: //www. rospa. co. uk/roadsafety/index. htm n Department for Transport http: //www. dft. gov. uk/stellent/groups/dft_control/docu ments/homepage/dft_home_page. hcsp n Highway Code n www. highwaycode. gov. uk n