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East of England Ambulance ServiceEssex County CouncilEssex County Fire & Rescue SeviceEssex PoliceHighways AgencySouthend-on-Sea Borough CouncilThurrock Council

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Driving for Better Business - Business Days

Essex County Council offers FREE “Driving for Better Business” days for local businesses.

Driving is the most dangerous work-related activity that most people do. More people are killed or injured in at-work road accidents than in all other occupational accidents put together.

Common causes of these unnecessary tragedies include: speeding, drink driving, non-seat belt wearing, careless driving, fatigue and inexperience.

Employers have a clear duty under Health and Safety Law to manage occupational road risk, in the same way that they manage other health and safety risks.
 
Drivers, too, have clear responsibilities. Taking action to ensure safer driving can:
  • Help to keep your employees safe while at work
  • Protect other road users
  • Save money by reducing accidents and incidents
  • Reduce business interruptions
  • Avoid adverse publicity for your business, associated with accidents
  • Help staff stay safe while commuting or driving in their leisure time
  • Promote smoother driving, which improves fuel efficiency and reduces environmental impact
 
There are no restrictions on who can attend these events. Drivers of any types of vehicles (company or personal cars, HGV, PSV, vans etc.) may attend. It's been proved that education can assist and encourage your staff to stay safe while commuting or driving in their leisure time. If they were to have an accident, this could have an impact on your business through associated sick leave, doctor or hospital appointments, etc.
 
The Business Days are run in conjunction with our Community Wheels vehicle. It is an effective way of providing road safety education and advice to your employees in an accessible and friendly format.
 
We set up the vehicle, normally in the car park or yard area.  There is a classroom based presentation, which involves approximately 10 employees visiting for a 45 minute session.
 
This session is intended to cover the company's policies regarding driving vehicles on company business and general road safety information on topics such as seatbelts, mobile phones, distractions at the wheel, etc. 
 
The Business Days are free of charge. All we require is your employees' time.
 
The companies that we have worked with so far have been keen to promote road safety and 'driving at work' messages to their employees. Feedback from the employees has been positive, with indications that it has raised morale and motivation within the workplace.
 
For more information or to book a event, please contact Mr Grahame Pinder - Senior Road Safety Officer on 01245 437131 or email grahame.pinder@essex.gov.uk