Health and Safety Road Risk Legal Requirements

The law requires an employer to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of its employees whilst at work and this includes driving at work. There are many complex regulations and guidelines related to this subject so we have put together some information and links to help you through the complexities.

What are your Legal Requirements?

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 - requires you to ensure as far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of employees whilst at work. Employees driving on company business are considered to be undertaking a work related activity, and the vehicle they are driving is regarded as a place of work. You also have a legal responsibility to ensure that others are not put at risk by your organisation´s work related activities.

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 - require you to carry out an assessment of the risks to the health and safety of your employees whilst at work, and to others who may be affected by their work related activities. You are required to review this risk assessment periodically.

The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007

Changes to the corporate manslaughter laws on April 6th 2008 now mean that companies whose staff are involved in serious accidents could be liable for gross negligence. For the first time, companies and organisations can be found guilty of corporate manslaughter as a result of serious management failures resulting in a gross breach of a duty of care.

Information Sources

Follow this link to download a PDF booklet provided by The Health and safety Executive. The Driving at Work booklet contains a wide range of useful information.

Follow this link to view the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act in its entirety.

What If The Worst Happened?

Since 2004 police road accident investigators are specifically instructed to consider corporate liability when investigating road accidents. This is in response to the government´s tough new targets on reducing road traffic accidents.

How Can Driving Matters UK help with Compliance?

We can help your company implement a programme of driver risk assessment and appropriate driver training to ensure that your company is complying with the law.

More Information

If you would like more information please contact us.