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The Driver

Three significant risk factors exist for the driver

Competency – The driver must be competent and capable of driving the vehicle, also must hold a
relevant driving licence. The driver must demonstrate their skill and expertise which are required
to drive the vehicles safely, this includes:

• To check the driver’s licences validity at the time of recruitment and periodically to ensure
it remains valid.
• Some organisation has set minimum standards regarding penalty endorsement on
company driving licence.

• The employer may take up references as a proof of competency, experience, and ability.

Training – driver may have to undergo specific training on safe driving.

• Some employer may require their drivers to undergo defensive driving training and
assessment.
• The employer must also ensure that the drivers to undertake induction training.
• Training the drivers on vehicle safety including pre-user checks, steering zoom and tilt
adjustment, the use of reversing cameras etc.
• Consider training about other road users for example, cyclists or other motorists. ‘

Fitness and health – Periodic medical examination conducted for drivers to ensure they are fit to
drive safely.

• It is a legal requirement for the drivers who
operate heavy vehicles (lorries, buses) they must
undergo medical examination and obtain medical
certificate.
• Drivers’ eyesight and other health requirements
needs to be checked.
• Drivers should be informed that they should not
drive while taking medicine that could impair their
judgement.

The Vehicle

The significant risk factors for the vehicles are:

Suitability – when buying vehicle ensure they are suitable for intended purpose.

• The vehicles have to fulfil certain standards set as a minimum requirement by the
organisation for example Euro NCAP – New Car Assessment Programme post-crash safety.

ENSIGN | General Workplace Issues 41