Frighteningly large numbers of companies are not doing enough to ensure health and safety in their workforce. New research conducted by LeasePlan suggests that one third of fleets are breaking the law by having no company vehicle policy in place.
Employers are required by law to take appropriate steps to ensure health and safety of their employees, but for many, what they need to do is far from obvious. How can a company best ensure the safety and compliance of their fleet?
Each fleet experiences an average of 11 collisions a year involving their vehicles
Average cost of repair is over £3,800 average a fleet repair cost of £42,446 per year
Average annual repair costs for a fleet add up to £42,446
LeasePlan says there is a clear correlation between managing risk and the legal and financial ramifications on a business
Fortunately, government guidance is clear and thorough if you know where to look, and companies like IAM RoadSmart offer complete solutions to protect you and your employees.
Each business is different, and therefore each needs a different approach to health and safety; fleet sizes, vehicle types, driver behaviour, type of journey, among numerous other variables, will affect what steps should be taken.
The HSE have released this leaflet, giving a comprehensive list of questions you can ask yourself to help indicate whether you’re in line with the law. It’s a long list, but here are a few key points:
Are your drivers competent and capable of doing their work in a way that is safe for them and other people?
Are your drivers properly trained?
Do you ensure your drivers have clear instructions about how to keep themselves safe while on the road?
Are your drivers sufficiently fit and healthy to drive safely and not put themselves or others at risk?
Do you know your duties under health and safety law when employing contractors and subcontractors?
Are vehicles fit for the purpose for which they are used?
Are vehicles maintained in a safe and fit condition?
Are you sure that drivers’ health, and possibly safety, is not being put at risk, eg from an inappropriate seating position or driving posture?
Do you plan routes thoroughly?
Are work schedules realistic?
Do you allow enough time to complete journeys safely?
Do you consider poor weather conditions, such as snow or high winds, when planning journeys?
If you need some help making sure your fleet is totally compliant with health and safety law, our team can help you achieve that, and will make the process incredibly easy. Book a free consultation with us at the SHE Show Virtual Connect Expo, running throughout this month, and we’ll assess your specific requirements, and offer the best help based on that assessment.
