During the height of the Coronavirus pandemic, business meetings took place remotely, in an attempt to keep the business going, keep in touch with clients, and maintain the order book.
It is very obvious now though, over the last couple of months, as I drive round the country meeting with my clients, that more and more people are back on the road.
However….driving for work and working remotely is probably the most high risk work that office based or sales staff ever undertake and comes with risks that need to considered, to be legally compliant.
If you’re driving for work and/or meeting your customers at their premises, the Health & Safety at Work Act and the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations apply.
A Risk Assessment that considers driving for work, detailing subjects such as fatigue, in cab technology and weather, and the risks of remote working, is not only essential, but a legal requirement for employees who work on their own, driving and visiting clients at their premises.
It’s great that they are eager to make the sale and shake the hand, using hand sanitiser of course, but apart from the obvious things like driving safely, driving hours, taking breaks etc, how do you know that the employee has arrived safely, been treated properly by the client, got in the car again and got back to base?
And…..don’t forget that you can write the best Driver’s Handbook going, and the best Risk Assessment for Driving and Working Remotely but, until you have communicated it to your employees and assured yourself that they understand it, you are not compliant, nor have you protected your staff.
Contact me for a chat about how to protect you and your staff
Driving for Work and Remote Working – Are you aware of the Law?
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DATEMarch 17, 2022
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CATEGORY