New Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines on at-work driving risk management are so complex they will force companies to bring in outside help for fleet management, according to risk management solutions company Risk Answers.
The new guidelines outline the issues companies must take into account to implement proper at-work driving health and safety responsibilities, according to Risk Answers. The guide gives a 60-point occupational driving health and safety checklist, which the HSE said will enable companies to adopt best practice risk management techniques.
According to Risk Answers, the new rules mean companies will need professional assistance to help them comply with the guidelines.
David Faithful, a non-executive director of Risk Answers said: "Very few people in charge of fleets will have the knowledge and experience required to implement the guidance. With the exception of safety-first organisations such as petro-chemical and pharmaceutical companies, the majority of companies will have to outsource the risk assessment and seek professional help and advice."
According to Risk Answers, in evaluating at-work driving risks, the new guidelines say companies must address driver competency and training, the health and fitness of drivers, vehicle suitability and condition, safety equipment fitted to vehicles, vehicle ergonomics, journey planning and route scheduling, journey time and distance travelled.
