Driving for Work: Why It Is a Workplace Health and Safety Priority
Driving for work is more than just a matter of road safety. It is increasingly recognised as a workplace health and safety risk because when employees drive as part of their job, the employer has duties to manage those risks under Irish law. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) defines driving for work as driving on public roads as part of work duties, whether in a company-provided vehicle or a personal vehicle used for work purposes. HSA
What Counts as โDriving for Workโ?
Driving for work typically includes:
- Driving vehicles supplied by the employer (vans, cars, trucks)
- Using personal vehicles for work trips where mileage or costs are reimbursed
- Travelling between clients, sites, or meetings as part of normal duties
- Deliveries, collections, or service calls
Commuting to your regular workplace is not usually considered driving for work, unless the journey is to a site that is not the workerโs usual work location. RSA
Why Driving for Work Matters
HSA guidance explains that driving for work involves risk not only for drivers, but also workers and the wider public. Employers and self-employed persons are required by law to manage these risks using a systematic approach to health and safety. HSA
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) also highlights that driving for work carries specific hazards and that managing those risks benefits both businesses and employees, including reducing collisions, injury, and long-term costs. RSA
What Employers Must Do
Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, employers must:
- Identify hazards related to all work activities, including driving
- Carry out risk assessments that reflect real driving tasks
- Implement practical controls to reduce risk
- Provide relevant information, instruction and training
- Document these arrangements clearly
Driving-for-work risks must be considered as part of a businessโs health and safety management system, typically within its risk assessments and Safety Statement. For workplaces with vehicle use, this means thinking beyond the road laws to how the work itself influences driving risk. HSA
What a Driving-for-Work Risk Assessment Should Address
A driving-for-work risk assessment should be specific to your organisation and include:
- Who drives for work and how often
- Types of vehicles used and load arrangements
- Typical routes, distances and expected conditions
- Work schedules and fatigue risk (long days, early starts)
- Competency and training needs of drivers
- Vehicle inspection and maintenance systems
- Reporting and follow-up after incidents
These assessments should be updated regularly, especially after changes to schedules, vehicles or work patterns.
Training to Support Safer Driving
Training is an important part of managing driving risks, especially when work demands influence driver behaviour or expectations. At PSTC we offer several driver-focused training options that support safer work practices, including:
- Driver Awareness โ core principles for anyone who drives for work
https://philip-son.com/courses/driver-awareness/ - Van Familiarisation โ practical skills for van drivers
https://philip-son.com/courses/van-familiarisation/ - Decision Driving โ higher-level driving decision skills for complex work environments
https://philip-son.com/courses/decision-driving/
These courses help staff understand workplace influences on driving risk (fatigue, distraction, planning) as well as practical controls and safe behaviours.
Integrating Training with Other Workplace Risks
Driving for work does not exist in isolation. It may interact with:
- Manual handling when loading or unloading vehicles
- Lone working when drivers are out on remote visits
- Emergency response procedures
- Vehicle security and equipment checks
Where appropriate, other PSTC training such as Manual Handling can help support a broader safety strategy:
https://philip-son.com/courses/manual-handling/
Useful External Guidance and Tools
For employers seeking authoritative guidance, the following resources are helpful:
- HSAโs Driving for Work risk management guidance โ formal guidance for employers on assessing and managing these risks. HSA
- HSA Safe Driving for Work Handbook โ practical handbook for drivers. HSA
- RSA Driving for Work resources โ tips and tools for employer compliance. RSA
- DrivingForWork.ie โ a resource hub developed by HSA, RSA and An Garda Sรญochรกna with practical materials. drivingforwork.ie
Final Thought
Driving for work is not just about obeying road laws. It is a recognised workplace activity with associated safety risks that employers must manage through structured risk assessment, documented controls, training where needed, and regular review.
Addressing these risks proactively not only supports compliance with health and safety law โ it improves safety for employees, protects the public, and reduces the human and financial costs of collisions.
