Experts in Business

An EU directive is looking into harmonising rules concerning driving licences. In addition to ensuring an HGV driver in Spain is not too young to drive his lorry legally in Germany, the directive is focusing on safety issues such as eyesight tests. Specialist HR advisor,Sheila Hudson, from the HR Dept looks at how such issues could affect your business.

The latest EU directive on driver safety is still being worked on. The details are not expected to be finalised until 2013. Although some UK newspapers are already warning motorists about having to pay to renew their licence every five years, this scenario is unlikely. However, drivers may have to undergo regular eyesight tests in the future.

Although introducing a driver’s eyesight policy may seem like another chore to add to your business’s to do list, it could have a positive impact on your organisation’s bottom line.

In 2000, the Health and Safety Executive estimated that road accidents cost UK employers about £2.7 billion every year. In addition to excesses paid on claims, employers often had to pay fines, cover the cost of down time, sick pay and replacement staff.

Accidents do happen. However, organisations that have a positive driving for work policy can benefit from an improved safety culture, enhanced public image, a stronger defence against prosecution and civil litigation and lower insurance premiums.

Your driving for work policy does not need to be complicated. It can be incorporated within your existing Health & Safety policy. It should look at management policy, driver safety, vehicle safety and journey planning.

Start by assigning road safety responsibility to a senior manager. Provide a handbook outlining driver responsibilities and your company policy.

Regularly service your fleet to check on equipment safety. This should form part of an ongoing maintenance regime.

Ensure all of your drivers are competent, properly licensed, regularly trained and medically fit. This will include undergoing regular eyesight tests.

It is possible that an EU directive will demand regular eyesight tests of professional drivers in the future. If your business already has a policy covering this, it will not be difficult to adapt to meet future directive requirements.

Sheila Hudson is a human resources professional providing advice on HR and employment issues for the HR Dept.