Minister for Transport, Leo Varakdar was in the media spotlight recently in relation to consulting with the Road Safety Authority about keeping dogs restrained in cars. Occupational road safety needs to be considered by the employer in a similar way to the other hazards and risks involved in the operation of their business.
From our experience this is an area which is often overlooked in many businesses, but also one which has the potential for serious consequences. This does not just apply to commercial and heavy goods vehicles but also cars.
Employers’ objective must be to eliminate the hazard or to reduce the risks to employees in all cases. Road safety is often ignored by employers because they consider that the responsibility always rests with the driver. This is not the case.
While the employer cannot be held liable for the misdemeanours of the driver they can be held responsible for a number of issues including requiring them to drive unsafe or overloaded vehicles and to drive excessive hours.
When a car crashes at high speed, one of the greatest dangers comes from loose items which are thrown around the cabin. Seatbelts ensure the occupants are restrained, but many vehicles are filled with heavy, potentially lethal everyday items. The most important thing to remember when packing a car is to stow objects away or secure them in the cabin.
This includes everyday items such as briefcase, laptops and umbrellas lying on seats or on the floor. When a car stops suddenly in a crash, objects inside keep moving and can impact at up to 20 times the force of gravity. This means a one-litre water bottle could pack a 20kg punch, so umbrellas and briefcases or laptop bags become deadly projectiles.
Stow things you may need during a journey in the glove box or centre console, where you can access them without compromising safety. Large or heavy items, such as brief cases and laptops, are best put in the boot. If you have a hatchback or a SUV, invest in a cargo barrier or consider tie-downs or nets. Keeping everyday belongings stowed and secure is a simple way to increase the safety of your vehicle.
