E-Training World warning on driver risk assessments
Profiling and training specialist E-Training World has highlighted the importance for fleet operators of employing a robust driver risk assessment regime.
“Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers have a legal duty to conduct risk assessments for employees driving for work,” warned the company.
“Failure to do so can result in criminal prosecution and civil liability for work-related accidents.
“Completing a risk assessment on a driver once is a start. But it shouldn’t be the end. People’s attitude toward driving, as well as their skills and knowledge, change over time and can be affected by life events, changes in driving responsibilities, location, and other factors.
“Responsible fleets recognise that drivers need to be risk assessed annually, after incidents or changes in work conditions, and provided with relevant driver training to address their areas of weakness and reduce their chances of being involved in a collision.”
Graham Hurdle, managing director at E-Training World, said that too many companies approached driver risk assessment as a one-off exercise.
“Health and safety managers know that areas such as fire and electrical safety require regular maintenance and testing,” he said.
“Driving is one of the most dangerous things you can do at work, and it should be routinely assessed and checked in the same way. One serious collision could cost a life, damage a business’s reputation, and incur significant costs.
“By profiling your drivers every year or after incidents or changes in work conditions, and providing ongoing training, companies can create a long-term culture of road safety, protecting their drivers and their business, too. Annual assessment also helps monitor your risk profile, providing essential data for reducing collisions.”
E-Training World’s system contains hundreds of risk assessment questions. This means drivers get a new set of questions each time, the company says, ensuring an accurate risk profile even if they complete it multiple times. Annual profiling can be easily allocated to drivers when it is due.
