Employers must manage all health and safety risks generated by their work activities, regardless of who they affect and where the activity is conducted. This includes any workers who drive for work.
Working Drivers
Driving for work is not just another work activity; in fact:
- Working drivers, unless regarded as professionals, are rarely trained to drive by their employer; it is a self-imposed discipline, with the licence moving with the driver.
- Working drivers can drive outside of their working time if they have a personal vehicle, where penalties can be imposed which can affect their ability to work.
Did you know?
- Using an e-scooter on public roads or pavements is an illegal use of ‘powered transporters’, unless it is from a government-approved hire scheme. Non-approved e-scooters do not meet UK safety standards and can result in penalty points on your provisional or full license. Or…
- A tyre with less than 1.6mm tread depth over ¾ of its width around the entire circumference can result in a £2,500 fine and 3 points per illegal tyre. More tyres increase the risk of exceeding the 11-point ban threshold. For safety, replace tyres when the tread reaches 3mm.
Car drivers are not legally required to re-test regularly; it’s their responsibility to self-regulate, adhere to driving limits, and for employers to verify compliance.
Medical Checks
Required medical checks for UK drivers depend on the type of license.
- Drivers with standard car licenses must self-report any medical condition affecting driving to the DVLA, which may require assessments, examinations, and license restrictions reapplying every 3 years. Certain conditions, like Type 1 diabetes or heart attacks, obligate GPs to report directly to the DVLA.
- A Group 2 bus/lorry license requires a mandatory D4 medical exam before issuance and periodic checks from age 45. The exam, conducted by a GM.C-registered doctor trained for DVLA forms, includes an eye test, blood pressure check, and medical history review.
Work Processes
Driving should be subject to the same safety processes as any other work activity, ensuring safe driving and safe working, regardless of location.
Driving for Work policies, risk assessments, and safe procedures must be developed, along with training for vehicle types and activities, to protect employees and others affected by vehicle use.
Workplace Transport should be separated from on-road activities during this process, as, while hazards overlap – such as vehicle operations, pedestrians, and static obstacles – they are not identical.
Managing road drivers involves license verification, vehicle fitness, insurance, pre-use checks, and medical proof. For FLT operators, it includes authority permits, pre-use checks, thorough inspections, and refresher courses, requiring a different approach.
To find out how bad the situation really is and determine where your business sits and how best to manage the health and safety of drivers and those they can affect, Parts 2 and 3 of this newsletter will explain how to best manage these risks…