01/03/2010
75 Work Related Road Deaths Each Year
New figures have shown that up to 75 people are killed each year in work related crashes, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has revealed.
In findings published today, the RSA said that up to one third of all road collisions involved drivers who are using their vehicle for work sparking a road safety campaign designed to make employers aware of their responsibility to ensure the safety of their staff on the roads.
The campaign, which is being backed by a national radio advert, is asking employers to use the RSA’s and Health and Safety Authority (HSA)’s ‘Driving for Work Guidelines’ to assist in implementing safe driving policies in the workplace.
The guidelines, published in CD Rom format are available free of charge and can be downloaded www.rsa.ie and www.hsa.ie
Noel Brett, CEO, Road Safety Authority said: “The driving for work guidelines will assist employers manage their staff’s road safety. It provides an overview of legislation, how to carry out risk assessments and highlights the significant benefits for businesses and the wider community when work related road safety is managed effectively.
“Managing staff safety, while driving for work, makes good business sense, especially in the current economic climate as it protects staff and business profits. For example, for every €1 claimed on insurance, arising from work related road incidents, companies may have to pay a further €8 to €36 for uninsured losses.”
Meanwhile, Martin O’Halloran of the Health and Safety Authority, said all employers were required by health and safety laws to put proper measures in place to protect the safety of all their employees.
"Particularly concerning is that 42% of Irish businesses have no driving for work policy as part of their health and safety management system. A 2008 Health and Safety Authority survey of businesses also found that there was a lack of awareness of their duties to manage work related driving activities,” he said.
Mr O'Halloran added that employers should give employees proper information and training to protect their safety, health and welfare and this duty extended to employees who drive for work.
"Not only will a proactive approach help to protect your workforce, it may also save your business significant amounts of money,” he said.
Vehicles are the biggest cause of work related deaths and a significant contributor to work related injuries. Studies show that people who drive company cars have between 30% and 40% more collisions than ordinary drivers and this risk increases for those who drive more than 40,000 kms a year.
Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 an employer has a duty to protect the health and safety of staff who drive for work.
Driving for work includes any person who drives on a road as part of their work (not including commuting) either in a company vehicle or their own vehicle, receiving an allowance from their employer for miles driven.
(DW/GK)
In findings published today, the RSA said that up to one third of all road collisions involved drivers who are using their vehicle for work sparking a road safety campaign designed to make employers aware of their responsibility to ensure the safety of their staff on the roads.
The campaign, which is being backed by a national radio advert, is asking employers to use the RSA’s and Health and Safety Authority (HSA)’s ‘Driving for Work Guidelines’ to assist in implementing safe driving policies in the workplace.
The guidelines, published in CD Rom format are available free of charge and can be downloaded www.rsa.ie and www.hsa.ie
Noel Brett, CEO, Road Safety Authority said: “The driving for work guidelines will assist employers manage their staff’s road safety. It provides an overview of legislation, how to carry out risk assessments and highlights the significant benefits for businesses and the wider community when work related road safety is managed effectively.
“Managing staff safety, while driving for work, makes good business sense, especially in the current economic climate as it protects staff and business profits. For example, for every €1 claimed on insurance, arising from work related road incidents, companies may have to pay a further €8 to €36 for uninsured losses.”
Meanwhile, Martin O’Halloran of the Health and Safety Authority, said all employers were required by health and safety laws to put proper measures in place to protect the safety of all their employees.
"Particularly concerning is that 42% of Irish businesses have no driving for work policy as part of their health and safety management system. A 2008 Health and Safety Authority survey of businesses also found that there was a lack of awareness of their duties to manage work related driving activities,” he said.
Mr O'Halloran added that employers should give employees proper information and training to protect their safety, health and welfare and this duty extended to employees who drive for work.
"Not only will a proactive approach help to protect your workforce, it may also save your business significant amounts of money,” he said.
Vehicles are the biggest cause of work related deaths and a significant contributor to work related injuries. Studies show that people who drive company cars have between 30% and 40% more collisions than ordinary drivers and this risk increases for those who drive more than 40,000 kms a year.
Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 an employer has a duty to protect the health and safety of staff who drive for work.
Driving for work includes any person who drives on a road as part of their work (not including commuting) either in a company vehicle or their own vehicle, receiving an allowance from their employer for miles driven.
(DW/GK)
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15 June 2009
Third Of Road Collisions Work-Related
A new report from the Road Safety Authority has revealed a third of all road collisions are work related incidents. The authority's latest report, Driving for Work Guidelines, shows that up to 100 fatal crashes on Ireland's roads every year involve people who are working.
Third Of Road Collisions Work-Related
A new report from the Road Safety Authority has revealed a third of all road collisions are work related incidents. The authority's latest report, Driving for Work Guidelines, shows that up to 100 fatal crashes on Ireland's roads every year involve people who are working.
16 December 2011
Police Launch Xmas Road Safety Campaign
Garda and the Road Safety Authority are on Friday launching their road safety campaign for the Christmas and New Year Period, in an effort to keep Irish road deaths falling.
Police Launch Xmas Road Safety Campaign
Garda and the Road Safety Authority are on Friday launching their road safety campaign for the Christmas and New Year Period, in an effort to keep Irish road deaths falling.
01 August 2008
RSA Issues Bank Holiday Plea To Tired Drivers
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has issued a fresh plea to drivers, on the eve of the August Bank Holiday Weekend. The campaign group has warned of the dangers of driver fatigue. Accidents caused by tired drivers are three times more likely to result in fatalities or serious injury, according to the authority.
RSA Issues Bank Holiday Plea To Tired Drivers
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has issued a fresh plea to drivers, on the eve of the August Bank Holiday Weekend. The campaign group has warned of the dangers of driver fatigue. Accidents caused by tired drivers are three times more likely to result in fatalities or serious injury, according to the authority.
01 July 2008
Provisional Licence Driver’s To Face Even Tougher Restrictions.
As new rules restricting provisional licence holders from driving alone come into force, a range of new measures will make learning to drive in Ireland is even tougher than ever.
Provisional Licence Driver’s To Face Even Tougher Restrictions.
As new rules restricting provisional licence holders from driving alone come into force, a range of new measures will make learning to drive in Ireland is even tougher than ever.
25 October 2007
L-Driver Tuition To be Mandatory
Next week will see new rules for learner drivers will come into operation. It is part of a new road safety strategy from the Road Safety Authority which will also see a new graduated driver licensing system being implemented and the introduction of mandatory tuition for all learner drivers.
L-Driver Tuition To be Mandatory
Next week will see new rules for learner drivers will come into operation. It is part of a new road safety strategy from the Road Safety Authority which will also see a new graduated driver licensing system being implemented and the introduction of mandatory tuition for all learner drivers.
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Ireland WeatherToday:A misty start with outbreaks of rain then becoming dry through the morning with a little brightness possible. Showery rain then moving into western areas in the afternoon. Feeling rather warm and humid with light winds. Maximum temperature 17 °C.Tonight:Outbreaks of rain in the west will spread east across all parts through the evening. Rain will die out overnight but staying cloudy with some mist or fog. Minimum temperature 10 °C.