The Law

Two sets of law apply to work-related road safety.

Health and Safety law focuses primarily (but not exclusively) on the duties of employers to establish safe systems of work. Key duties include undertaking risk assessments and having in place H&S management systems to ensure safe systems of work. The HSE Guide, "Driving at Work" (ref INDG382) makes it clear that "health and safety law applies to on-the-road work activities . and the risks should be effectively managed within a health and safety system".

Road Traffic law is concerned mainly with individual driver behaviour and the vehicle owner. However, the enforcement of road traffic law does not usually address the extent to which employers have discharged their duties of care, for example by establishing safe journey parameters or providing appropriate vehicles.

Balance of Responsibility
Work related road safety is a shared responsibility between employer and employee.