Public Servant Lifestyle

Companies can't ignore drivers' drink and drugs policies says RoSPA.

The need for companies to have proper policies to manage the problems of drink or drug driving by their employees is stressed in new guidelines from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). Extended licensing hours are adding to concerns about those who drive as part of their job.

RoSPA says all businesses and organisations employing people who drive for work purposes must address the issue as part of their duties under health and safety law.

Kevin Clinton, RoSPA Head of Road Safety, said: "With the advent of 24-hour licensing, there are serious worries that people will still be over the limit the 'morning after', particularly around Christmas and New Year. But it is not just a seasonal subject, it is something employers need to address all-year-round.

"Driving is the most dangerous work activity that most people do. Drink-drive deaths are at their highest since 1992 and there are growing fears about drug-related accidents. Employers cannot ignore these subjects.

"They need to ensure staff and their safety representatives are fully consulted about policies on alcohol, drugs and safe driving. Between 800 and 1,000 deaths on Britain's roads each year are work-related and employers have to take their responsibilities to their drivers and those on the roads around them seriously.

"All staff, including senior managers and line managers, must understand that they must not drive for work if their ability to do so is affected by alcohol, drugs or medicines. Doing so should be a serious disciplinary matter. "

RoSPA's document Driving for Work: Drink and Drugs is backed by the Department for Transport and includes a sample policy to help bosses tackle the problem. It covers topics such as raising awareness, screening, training and notifying employers about drink or drug-related accidents.

RoSPA offers courses to explain driver impairment in more detail, including sessions on understanding alcohol units and the impact of alcohol the next day.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has also supported the Society in producing a document to help employers with policies to cover employees who use their own vehicles for work. Employers owe the same duty of care under health and safety law to staff who drive their own vehicles for work as they do to employees who drive company-owned, leased or hired vehicles. They still need to check if those vehicles are fit for work purposes and are safe and properly maintained.

Copies of both documents are being sent to employers and road safety officers throughout the UK. They can be downloaded here.

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More information available in Work Environment, Insurance, Drink, Commuting, On The Road