P HEALTH AND SAFETY
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Small firms take more risks
Aris.tindattrarbi.co.uk SMALLER HAULAGE companies are more likely to employ drivers who risk having an accident getting out of their cabs, and also overlook essential vehicle inspections, according to a Health and Safety Executive survey.
It found that a "statistically significant" greater proportion of drivers employed by small and medium-sized companies — 19% and 14% respectively — said their vehicles were not checked for problems that might cause slips, trips or falls. This compared with 9% of drivers at large companies.
The results showed that of the 603 drivers questioned at motorway service areas across the UK, a third claimed their employer did not provide them with footwear for work to help avoid slips and trips. Of those given footwear, around 10% admitted to not using it.
There was a significantly higher proportion of drivers working for small and medium-sized firms jumping from their vehicles without using ladders or steps. Rigid and flatbed drivers were also more likely to do this. Road Haulage Association head of employment Ruth Pott says the association runs courses aimed specifically at smaller firms. We weren't particularly aware it was an issue,' she adds "It would he interesting to see how they correlate with RIDDOR [Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurances Regulations] requirements."