Road risk high on the agenda for Lancashire companies

Over 70 representatives of Lancashire companies gathered recently in Chorley for a seminar organised by Lancashire County Council's road safety group.

The seminar, 'Drive it forward- managing occupational road risk' featured Sandy Bishop, the DfT’s head of road safety as keynote speaker and attracted leading speakers from RoSPA and the Health and Safety Executive.

It is estimated that 30 per cent of all traffic on the roads is work related and that this traffic leads to 77,000 injuries. Employers have a duty of care to their staff and the public and can be held responsible for the actions of their drivers on the roads. Delegates were informed that anyone driving for business purposes - not just company cars or wagons - opens up the company to increased liability.

The seminar was an opportunity for managers to sign up to a new network in Lancashire that will offer peer support and regular news updates about occupational road risk. A comprehensive Company Action Guide was also launched at the event.

"The Guide is a starting point for people wanting to put in place procedures in this important area," explains Clare Farrer, principal road safety adviser at Lancashire County Council. "It was written in consultation with businesses and we know that practical case studies are important - so we also intend to help companies to share best practice."

The Company Action Guide can be obtained from the road safety group by telephoning 01772 262889.