The HSA has recently published some really good material on their website in relation to daily checks that employers need to implement and monitor within their organisations and their fleets. They have laid out the information for all types of vehicles:
- Heavy Goods Vehicles
- Light Commercial Vehicles
- Buses
- Cars
In each section, there is a video clearly outlining the necessary steps, a poster to distribute throughout the workplace, and also a recommended daily checklist for each driver to perform and confirm before they start their workday. They also encourage each fleet to take this checklist and customise it to their own fleet and requirements. Sample Items:
- Good visibility for drivers through all cab windows and mirrors. All required mirrors fitted and adjusted correctly
- A vehicle sitting square and not leaning to one side.
- Steering and brakes operating correctly.
- ABS/EBS warning lights
Having recently met and spoken with someone involved in the transport section in the HSA, this is an area that they are focusing heavily on within organisations and are encouraging the use of technology like GPS Fleet Management systems within organisations to monitor and improve the safety of drivers and roadworthiness of the commercial vehicles they use.
As an example, a recent European wide vehicle safety initiative that was featured on RTE’s Crimecall recorded 100 offenses during routine roadside checks on just over 450 vehicles. 3 of these vehicles were deemed not roadworthy and not allowed to continue their journey that day.
We recommend you visit the HSA website for more information or download for free the checklists from our website we have prepared for you:
Photo by ESB Professional on Shutterstock
