Introduction to Health and Safety at Work

The journey
Routes
Route planning is crucial. Safe routes should be chosen 
which are appropriate for the type of vehicle undertak-
ing the journey wherever practicable. Motorways are 
the safest roads. Minor roads are suitable for cars, but 
they are less safe and could present diffi culties for larger 
vehicles. Overhead restrictions for example bridges, 
tunnels and other hazards such as level crossings, may 
present dangers for long and/or high vehicles so route 
planning should take particular account of these.
Scheduling
There are danger periods during the day and night when 
people are most likely, on average, to feel sleepy. These 
are between 2 am and 6 am and between 2 pm and 
4 pm. Schedules need to take suffi cient account of these 
periods. Where tachographs are carried, they should 
be checked regularly to make sure that drivers are not 
putting themselves and others at risk by driving for long 
periods without a break. Periods of peak traffi c fl ow 
should be avoided if possible and new drivers should be 
given extra support while training.
Time
Has enough time been allowed to complete the driving 
job safely? A realistic schedule would take into account 
the type and condition of the road and allow the driver 
rest breaks. A non-vocational driver should not be 
expected to drive and work for longer than a professional 
driver. The recommendation of the Highway Code is for a 
15 minute break every two hours.
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Are drivers put under pressure by the policy of the 
company? Are they encouraged to take unnecessary 

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Movement of people and vehicles – hazards and control
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risks, for example exceeding safe speeds because 
of agreed arrival times?
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Is it possible for the driver to make an overnight 
stay? This may be preferable to having to complete 
a long road journey at the end of the working day?
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Are staff aware that working irregular hours can add 
to the dangers of driving? They need to be advised 
of the dangers of driving home from work when they 
are excessively tired. In such circumstances they may 
wish to consider an alternative, such as a taxi.
Distance
Managers need to satisfy themselves that drivers will not 
be put at risk from fatigue caused by driving excessive 
distances without appropriate breaks. Combining driv-
ing with other methods of transport may make it pos-
sible for long road journeys to be eliminated or reduced. 
Employees should not be asked to work an exceptionally 
long day.
Weather conditions
When planning journeys, suffi cient consideration will 
need to be given to adverse weather conditions, such 
as snow, ice, heavy rain and high winds. Routes should 
be rescheduled and journey times adapted to take 
adverse weather conditions into consideration. Where 
poor weather conditions are likely to be encountered, 
vehicles should be properly equipped to operate, with, 
for example, anti-lock brakes.
Where there are ways of reducing risk, for example 
when driving a high sided vehicle in strong winds with 
a light load, drivers should have the expertise to deal 
with the situation. In addition, they should not feel pres-
surized to complete journeys where weather conditions 
are exceptionally diffi cult and this should be made clear 
by management.