Official HSE guidance to put responsibility of managing risk of drug driving on fleet operators – Let D.tec International help you stay compliant?

Last week, The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) finally published updated guidance on “driving and riding safely for work” to reflect the exponential growth in the largely unregulated “Gig Economy”. The new guidance, written in partnership with the Department for Transport (DfT), aims to clarify where the health and safety responsibility lies for the management of “Work Related Road Risk” and covers everyone driving for work, be it HGV, grey fleet or van drivers.

The guidance has been under review for some time but the dramatic rise in the requirement for “just in time” deliveries appear to have expedited the update.

DfT estimate that a quarter of all road traffic incidents involve someone who is driving for work and workplace fatality statistics provided by The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) confirm that there is a higher chance of being killed at the wheel than being killed whilst on a building site.

As we know, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol significantly increases the risk and with 74% of substance abusers stating they are in full-time employment, it stands to reason that HSE would align their guidance with the challenges we are facing in society.

For the first time HSE now advise all companies to “remind their riders and drivers that they must not drive under the influence of drink or drugs, including prescription drugs.”

This is a huge step in the right direction and fleet operators should not be daunted by this. This change will lead to safer roads for all, and a safer workplace for you and your employees.

How can British Frozen Food Federation help?

Firstly, you must consider the last time you discussed the dangers of drink or drug driving with your employees and if this is part of your induction process?

Fleet Operators can ensure compliance by looking to remind and educate their employees. The British Frozen Food Federation is built on a community of like-minded businesses doing what they can together to protect the frozen food industry. With this in mind BFFF member, D.tec International, are on hand to provide drug and alcohol awareness training for your workforce either face to face (at your chosen workplace) or virtually to save on road miles. Following completion of training all employees will be issued with a certificate to confirm they have been walked through the dangers and are fully aware of the implications.

With 26 years’ experience providing drug and alcohol screening solutions to the home office and blue-chip organisations. D.tec International offer unrivalled expertise in this area and are uniquely positioned to advise on policy development and education.

To book a drug and alcohol awareness course for your workforce email sales@dtectinternational.com with details of your requirement. Alternatively call 0800 371 898 for further information.