November 2011 Winter Driving - Employer Has A Duty Of Care To Staff
There are a number of signs that suggest winter is on its way:
the nights start drawing in and the clocks go back;
the schools go back and there is more traffic on the roads;
our newsletter contains an article about keeping safe in bad weather!
This time we are looking at safety on the roads.
Employers have a duty of care for the safety of their employees, and it will come as no surprise that this includes safety on the road for those employees who drive for work. Employers also have an interest in the general road safety of their employees whether this is travelling to and from work or travelling in general.
We have all seen images of drivers struggling in snow and ice because they ignored police warnings not to drive unless it was necessary. But do your employees know what your company considers to be a “necessary journey” and could your company be failing in its duty of care if you leave it entirely up to the driver to decide whether or not a journey is absolutely necessary?
Some key questions to ask include:
Do your employees know what is expected of them e.g. do you have a clear policy on driving for business, and does it give advice for winter conditions?
Do you reinforce messages about winter driving to all staff before expected spells of bad weather?
Do you encourage drivers to plan ahead and adapt journey times, use alternative routes or even abandon the journey altogether to take account of weather conditions?
Do you encourage regular vehicle checks?
Do you encourage everyone to take the suitable emergency items if travel is necessary (e.g. warm clothing, mobile phone, de-icer, etc)?
Do you provide extra training for those drivers most at risk (this is usually much cheaper than the cost of an accident)?
Please speak to your normal contact if you would like our assistance with producing a safe driving policy or to discuss any aspect of road safety.
Below is our list of winter driving tips which you can alter and reproduce as a reminder for your employees.
You can also find further winter driving advice from Government websites and various motoring bodies including:
Carry a pair of sensible shoes / warm clothing / torch and shovel in your vehicle in case you break down etc.
In extreme weather conditions, consider whether it may be necessary to re-schedule your appointment.
Check tyres ‘regularly’(if in doubt [INSERT NAME] can check depth free of charge).
Check tyre pressure regularly. Tyre pressure affects steering, grip and braking.
Lowering the pressure in your tyres may provide for additional grip in snowy conditions, but remember to re-inflate to correct pressure when the temperature improves. Do not lower your tyre pressure unless you know by how much.
Extra care should be taken in bad weather.
In wet, icy or snowy conditions, reduce your speed. Stopping distances will be greater. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
Plan your journey carefully so that you don’t have to rush.
Try to avoid breaking suddenly, slow the vehicle by reducing gear. If you lose control, steer in the direction of the skid.
Try to avoid remote roads wherever possible.
Make sure you have a fully charged mobile telephone with you on your journey.
Motor Trade