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RoSPA welcomes at work driver accident records

RoSPA says that the decision to keep official records of the number of work-related road accidents is a major boost for the campaign to manage occupational road risk.

It is now widely accepted that the most dangerous thing most people do while at work is to drive, but precise casualty figures have been unavailable until now.

"We are delighted that police officers attending road accidents are for the first time recording if the journey was for work purposes," said Charles Davis, RoSPA's head of driver and fleet solutions. "This will give us accurate information about the number of work-related road accidents, and will also be yet another warning to employers and fleet managers about the responsibility they have to keep their drivers safe."

A section on the Stats19 form, which police fill in after an accident, now asks if the journey was 'part of work'. The figures are expected to be published for the first time during 2006.

"We think this will prove once and for all that this is the biggest work-related safety issue facing the country," Charles Davis said. "If that is the case, serious consideration will have to be given to a Health and Safety at Work Act Approved Code of Practice on driving for work, so that companies understand they will face legal action if they don't meet their responsibilities.

The HSE and DfT have issued guidance to employers about work-related road safety, stressing the need for employers to carry out risk assessments and introduce control measures such as driver training.

For further in formation go to: http://www.rospa.com/drivertraining

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