Safety Tips for Fleet & Transport Workers
Fleet and HGV (heavy goods vehicles) drivers consistently work without other people around them until they reach their destination and according to the BSIA[1], drivers are the lone workers facing the highest levels of risk.
Common Health and Safety Issues Faced by Fleet and Transport Workers
With 14 million fleet vehicles in the UK[2], there are a range of risks faced by these employees:
Road Accidents – In 2018, there were 16,815 road accidents involving vans and HGVs in the UK[3].
Theft – Companies lost £14 million due to cargo theft in Q2 of 2018 alone.[4]
Tiredness – Tiredness may contribute to as many as 20% of all road accidents.[5]
Remote Areas – Stopping or breaking down in areas with minimal network coverage can put workers in a vulnerable position.
Case Study
On October 6th 2020, a 58-year-old lorry driver was pulled from his vehicle and attacked at knifepoint by five robbers in Tilbrook. The driver suffered a hairline fracture to his eye socket and more than £136,000 worth of goods were stolen, including more than 200 TV’s.[6]
5 Top Tips For Safer Working Practices
- Complete regular inspections to ensure the vehicle is in good working condition.
- Deter potential thieves by equipping the vehicle with cameras and slash resistant tarps.
- Take regular breaks to combat fatigue. EU regulations stipulate that a driver should not be allowed to drive more than 9 hours a day or 56 hours a week.
- Report any abuse to help identify patterns and prevent future incidents.
- Carry a personal safety device with 24/7 protection when working alone.
[1] https://www.bsia.co.uk/bsia-front/pdfs/168-lone-worker-transport-guide.pdf
[2] https://www.fleetalliance.co.uk/news/uk-grey-fleet-record-levels-says-report/#:~:text=Getting%20To%20Grips%20With%20Grey,each%20year%20on%20Britain’s%20roads.
[3] https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/ras20-drivers-riders-and-vehicles-in-reported-road-accidents
[4] https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/about-bsi/media-centre/press-releases/2018/november/14-million-lost-to-goods-hijacking-on-british-roads-in-three-months/
[5] http://www.brake.org.uk/news/15-facts-a-resources/facts/485-driver-tiredness#:~:text=Fatigue%20is%20a%20major%20cause,Britain%20in%202018%20%5B6%5D.
[6] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-54526268
