And there is so much that can go wrong.  Bad driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (even on the morning after), driving when tired, driving with a medical condition, driving a vehicle that is uninsured/in poor condition, using a mobile phone (even hands free), parking offences, speeding offences, driving in adverse weather conditions, carrying unauthorised passengers, breakdown, theft of vehicle – a litany of issues to be considered.

Then there are the different categories of drivers: company car drivers, agency drivers, employees driving their own cars for work, those working remotely, sales reps, spouses and named drivers – another list to be taken into account.

At first sight, this can seem overwhelming.  But follow our logical steps, and you will be able to control the health and safety aspects of driving at/for work.

Legislation

• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
• Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007
• Road Traffic Act
• Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations

Health and Safety Myth

Driver refuses to allow passenger on bus with a hot coffee

A customer tried to board a bus with a hot cup of coffee - the driver refused to allow the customer on the bus with the hot drinks, saying this was because of health and safety.

There is no occupational health and safety legislation prohibiting the consumption of hot drinks on a bus.  The bus company may have other reasons to ban hot drinks, but it is far more likely that this is an issue associated with risks of spillage and litter on the bus.  Transport companies are free to determine their own policy on conditions of carriage of passengers, but should not incorrectly quote health and safety as their excuse for an unpopular decision.