MPs support work driving risk assessments

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Fatal road traffic accidents (RTA’s) involving people driving for work not only result in a tragic loss of life but also cost the UK more than £1.6 billion in 2007. For someone working in an otherwise low risk occupation, an RTA is the most likely event at work that could cause them a serious injury.

To help reduce these incidents, a road safety initiative from the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) is aimed at identifying aspects of an individual's driving that need development.

As part of the launch, MPs will be completing the IAM Driver Risk Management programme, to set an example for businesses of all sizes on how to manage the risks associated with employees driving for work.

An IAM spokesman said: "Around a third of all road accidents involve people driving for work, and for every death there is an associated cost to the economy which can total billions of pounds each year. This is not acceptable and is why we are asking MPs to take the lead in reducing the alarming road death rate."

The risk assessment process can be carried out in a number of ways including: online assessments, e-learning and actual practical driving assessments.

Risk Assessments are required by law for any work-related task with significant risks. Driving a vehicle for work is no exception to that. Any Employer who requires their employees to drive as a part of their job should carry out a driving for work risk assessment.