Risk assessments
Last updated:Driving whilst at work may increase risks such as fatigue, stress, working alone and unforeseen external events. Line Managers have a duty to ensure risk assessments and appropriate arrangements are in place to minimise risks and protect the health and safety of staff and others who may be affected by encouraging a sensible and safe approach to driving for work. Risk assessments enable Managers to make informed decisions about matters such as driver training and identify where health and safety improvements can be made.
Managers will assist employees to adapt generic risk assessments appropriately to make them specific to individuals’ circumstances.
Managers will encourage staff to mentally risk assess all journeys and to take the appropriate action when and where hazards arise.
Please refer to Model Risk assessments at the end of this policy. Also refer to H & S Policies and Procedures, Section 2.1 Risk Assessments and appendices. Risk Assessment Guide
Minimising the risks:
Pressures of work and exposure to risks from driving can be minimised by adopting appropriate risk reduction measures including:
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Minimising the need to drive for work by planning work to reduce the need to travel, considering on-line meetings and conference calling, or use of public transport.
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Allowing sufficient time for journeys to enable them to be completed legally and safely without exceeding speed limits.
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Planning the safest route, taking into account traffic information and weather conditions.
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Planning breaks during a journey.
Drivers are responsible for making their own decisions regarding risk management e.g., unexpected severe weather, unexpected dangerous traffic conditions, unexpected fatigue, etc including the cancellation of a journey or a postponement of a meeting.
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Staff should take appropriate precautions to mitigate the adverse effects of a breakdown and follow the Department for Transport guidance for safe winter driving: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/make-time-for-winter--2 or the advice given on the RAC website: https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/winter-driving/
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Staff should adhere to corporate and service areas contact arrangements for ‘out of office’ and ‘out of hours’ working (involving notification to Managers of officers itinerary and timing, checking in and follow up arrangements, mobile phone arrangements etc.).
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If Managers have concerns about employees’ ability to drive due to illness, fatigue, or possible influence of alcohol or drugs then the employee should not be allowed to drive, and HR should be informed.