Driving for Work: Mythbusters
52 common misconceptions – and the facts employers and drivers need to know
Myth 26: Employees are responsible for their own safety when they are out driving for work
Managing occupational road risk is a shared responsibility between both drivers and employers.
Employers have a clear legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to protect employees, including when they are driving for work.
This duty does not end when a driver leaves the depot or office.
Employers must assess the risks of work-related driving, implement appropriate controls, provide suitable vehicles and equipment, and ensure drivers are competent and fit.
The fact that driving takes place on public roads does not transfer that responsibility to the individual driver.
The driver does, however, have their own responsibility to ensure they drive safely and in line with the Highway Code at all times while they’re driving for work, and to follow any additional guidelines laid down in their employer’s driving for work policy.
Driver takeaway:
Your safety on the road is a shared responsibility.
You must drive safely and follow your employer’s policies, but you also have the right to expect safe vehicles, reasonable schedules, and a culture where raising concerns is welcome.
Manager takeaway:
Your duty of care does not end when a driver leaves the site.
Assess risk, provide suitable vehicles, set realistic workloads, and ensure drivers know how to raise concerns. Shared responsibility means the organisation must hold up its half of the bargain.
